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Russia Travel Advisory

Travel advisory june 27, 2024, russia - level 4: do not travel.

Reissued after periodic review with minor edits.

Do not travel to Russia due to the consequences of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russian military forces. U.S. citizens may face harassment or detention by Russian security officials, arbitrary enforcement of local laws, limited flights into and out of Russia, and the possibility of terrorism. The U.S. Embassy has limited ability to assist U.S. citizens in Russia. The Department has determined that there is a continued risk of wrongful detention of U.S. nationals by Russian authorities. U.S. citizens residing or traveling in Russia should leave immediately.

The U.S. government has limited ability to help U.S. citizens in Russia, especially outside of Moscow. The U.S. Embassy is operating with reduced staffing, and the Russian government has restricted travel for embassy personnel. Furthermore, all U.S. consulates in Russia have suspended operations, including consular services.

There have been reports of drone attacks and explosions near the border with Ukraine as well as in Moscow, Kazan, and St. Petersburg. In an emergency, you should follow instructions from local authorities and seek shelter.

Russia may refuse to recognize your U.S. citizenship if you are a dual U.S.-Russian citizen or have a claim to Russian citizenship. Russia has denied consular officers visits to detained dual U.S.-Russian citizens. The Russian government has forced citizens with dual nationality to join the Russian military and prevented them from leaving the country. In 2022, the Russian government mobilized citizens for its invasion of Ukraine. Military conscription continues.

In Russia, the rights to peaceful assembly and free speech are not always protected. U.S. citizens should avoid protests and taking photos of security staff at these events. Russian authorities have arrested U.S. citizens who joined protests. Moreover, there are many reports of Russians being detained for social media posts.

U.S. citizens should know that U.S. credit and debit cards no longer work in Russia. Due to sanctions, sending electronic money transfers from the U.S. to Russia is nearly impossible.

Commercial flight options are minimal and are often unavailable on short notice. If you wish to depart Russia, you should make independent arrangements. The U.S. Embassy has limited ability to assist U.S. citizens in leaving the country, and transportation options may suddenly become even more restricted.

Click  here  for Information for U.S. Citizens Seeking to Depart Russia.

U.S. Embassy staff generally are not allowed to fly on Russian airlines due to safety concerns. Recently, the FAA downgraded Russia's air safety rating from Category 1 to Category 2. Additionally, the FAA banned U.S. flights in some Russian areas, including the Moscow Flight Information Region (FIR), the Samara FIR (UWWW), and the Rostov-na-Donu (URRV) FIR within 160NM of the boundaries of the Dnipro (UKDV) Flight Information Regions. Check the FAA's Prohibitions, Restrictions, and Notices for more information.

Country Summary: 

Russian officials have interrogated and threatened U.S. citizens without cause. This includes former and current U.S. government and military personnel and private U.S. citizens engaged in business. U.S. citizens may become victims of harassment, mistreatment, and extortion.

Russian authorities may not notify the U.S. Embassy about the detention of a U.S. citizen and may delay U.S. consular assistance. Russian security services also target foreign and international organizations they consider “undesirable.”

Russian security services have arrested U.S. citizens on false charges, denied them fair treatment, and convicted them without credible evidence. Furthermore, Russian authorities have opened questionable investigations against U.S. citizens engaged in religious activity. U.S. citizens should avoid travel to Russia.

Russia's invasion of Ukraine has destabilized security in southwestern Russia. In October 2022, the Russian government declared martial law in the following border areas with Ukraine: Bryansk, Kursk, Belgorod, Voronezh, Rostov, and Krasnodar. Under martial law, authorities can set curfews, seize property, and restrict movement. The Russian government may detain foreigners, forcibly relocate residents, and limit public gatherings. U.S. citizens should avoid all travel to these areas.

Russian authorities have questioned, detained, and arrested people for “acting against Russia's interests.” Local authorities have targeted people for posting on social media or supporting "anti-Russian" groups and punished individuals for criticizing the government or military. The Russian government's current "LGBT propaganda" law bans discussion of LGBTQI+ related topics. In November 2023, the Supreme Court labeled the so-called "international LGBT movement" as extremist. This decision effectively made it a crime to support the human rights of LGBTQI+ persons in Russia.

Terrorists continue to plan attacks in Russia. The March 2024 Crocus City Hall incident proved they can strike suddenly. Terrorists may target tourist areas, transport hubs, and markets. They may also target government buildings, hotels, clubs, restaurants, and places of worship. Parks, events, schools, and airports are also potential targets.  U.S. government employees under Embassy (Chief of Mission) security responsibility are not permitted to travel to the North Caucasus, including Chechnya and Mt. Elbrus. U.S. citizens should avoid travel to those areas.

The international community does not recognize Russia’s annexation of Crimea and does not acknowledge Russia’s purported annexation of Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhya. Russia staged its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, in part, from occupied Crimea and there is a heavy Russian military presence in these areas. There is intense fighting across these regions and Russian authorities there have abused both foreigners and locals. Authorities have specifically targeted individuals who are seen as challenging Russia’s authority.

The U.S. Embassy in Kyiv administers consular services to U.S. citizens in Crimea, Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhya. However, the conflict limits the Embassy's ability to help U.S. citizens in these areas.

Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to Russia.

If you decide to travel to Russia:

• Read the information on what the U.S. government can and cannot do to assist you in an emergency overseas .
• Consider the risks involved in having dual U.S.- Russian nationality.
• Have a contingency plan in place that does not rely on U.S. government help. Review the Traveler’s Checklist .
• Follow news for any important events and update your plans based on the new information.
• Ensure travel documents are valid and easily accessible.
• Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas .
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). This will allow you to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter .
• Review the Country Security Report for Russia.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.

Travel Advisory Levels

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Is it possible to visit Russia as a tourist right now? (Q&A)

Who can enter Russia as a tourist?

At present, people from 80 countries can enter Russia. There are two main conditions: first, one must be a citizen of that country or have a permanent residence permit; and second - one needs to enter Russia by plane. The primary document that regulates entry during the coronavirus pandemic is Order no. 635-r (March 16, 2020), which is regularly updated. 

Some of the countries on the list include the United States, Britain, Greece, Germany, Tunisia, Israel, Japan, Armenia, Qatar, Portugal, Mexico, Croatia, Belgium, China, France, Denmark, New Zealand, Iran, Peru, Norway and Argentina. Click here for the full list. 

In the meantime, any country with which Russia currently has a travel agreement can serve as the port of departure (however, the transit country must be on the above list).

What type of visa is required?

Those who already have a valid Russian visa - and citizens of the above countries - can enter Russia using that visa. Those who do require a visa can submit their documents at the Russian consulate in their home country.

What is still not possible at this point is obtaining a unified electronic visa (a type of visa that is valid for up to 16 days, takes only four days to process and does not require submitting any documents relating to the purpose of visit). Therefore, in order to receive a regular tourist visa (valid up to six months) it is necessary to have a confirmed accommodation booking or an agreement with a travel agency.

Is a COVID test required?

Yes, PCR tests must be performed no earlier than 48 hours before arriving in Russia. The results must be printed in Russian or English (this is required even if you received a Sputnik-V vaccine shot). If you’re flying with children, they, too, must obtain a test, irrespective of age. And a form for arrivals must be filled in before entering the country.

Who is not affected by the rules? 

These restrictions don’t apply to foreigners with a valid Russian residence permit or those with close relatives. They can enter Russia from any country using any means of transportation, including by land.

They also do not apply to partially recognized republics of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, as well as citizens of Belarus (or those with Belarusian permanent residence permits), Kazakhstan and citizens of the Donetsk and Lugansk national republics. Entering by land is also possible when traveling from Mongolia or China. 

Furthermore, if Eurasian Economic Union citizens cross over by land, they don’t have to submit a coronavirus test or fill out the arrivals form. 

Is vaccination required? 

No. The QR codes required for visiting public gatherings before spring (including cafes, bars, hotels, etc.) are no longer required in the majority of regions. The same goes for various other COVID restrictions: regions have the final say, but almost all have been lifted.

What about masks?

Masks are also no longer a requirement. However, some regions still require people to wear masks in some places, including stores, pharmacies, shopping malls, movie theaters and so on. In Moscow, the rule on masks has been completely lifted, while, for example, in Kaliningrad, some places still enforce them. 

Are there any quarantine regulations in place?

No, you will not be required to quarantine on arrival to Russia. However, if you get sick in Russia, you will have to be quarantined for a period of seven days at your own expense. Those who have come in contact with infected people do not require quarantining (provided they did not contract the coronavirus). 

Important! In many countries, there are still restrictions on LEAVING for the purpose of tourism, so having a Russian visa does not guarantee you will get permission to leave your country. This must be clarified before making any trips.

The information listed here is valid as of June 1, 2022. 

If using any of Russia Beyond's content, partly or in full, always provide an active hyperlink to the original material.

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How to Visit Russia as an American

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While U.S. citizens are welcomed with visas on arrival to 184 countries around the world, Russia isn’t one of them. American citizens need to obtain a Russian tourist visa before they’re allowed to depart for the country. 

There is one loophole, at least for now: cruise passengers are allowed to visit Russia without a tourist visa for up to 72 hours, presuming they follow a rigid set of rules. 

If you’re an American looking to plan a trip to Russia, here are your travel options.

How to Get a Russian Tourist Visa

Americans looking to visit Russia on tourist visas have two options, a single-entry visa for $113 or a multiple entry visa for $273 dollars. It’s recommended to apply for Russia travel visas 30 to 90 days before departure, but procrastinators can typically pay extra to have visa applications expedited.

The first step in getting a visa to visit Russia is securing a formal invitation. This is easier than it sounds. The Petr Hotel in St. Petersburg, Russia , for example, offers guests visa invitation letters instantly online for a $16 fee. Many hotels, tour operators and travel agents provide similar services.

Once you’ve got your invitation letter, you’ll need to fill out an online Russia tourist visa application , but prepare yourself. The application asks for a detailed log of your past decade of travel abroad as well as for information about your schooling, parents, occupation, and involvement with professional or other organizations. If you’re an avid traveler it might take you awhile.

After completing your application, you'll need to submit it through a visa processing company and pay the required fees. Travisa , CIBT Visas , and Allied Passport & Visa are among the companies you can use. For Travisa, processing fees start at $164, but that’s in addition to the visa fee itself. 

You will need to send in your physical passport and two passport size photos as part of the process. If approved, your passport will be returned to you with a full-page Russian tourist visa. 

Getting a visa to visit Russia can be a good way to avoid the crowds that often accompany large cruise ships and to have more time and freedom to explore on your terms. Lines at the Hermitage Museum and other sites are noticeably shorter once the cruise ships have pulled out of town, leaving a more authentic feeling in St. Petersburg. If you’re looking to visit Moscow and St. Petersburg , you’ll want more than 72 hours and will be best served by having a Russian tourist visa.

Take a Visa-Free Cruise to Russia

Passengers visiting Russia on cruise ships or via ferry services are allowed to stay in the country for up to 72 hours without a visa. This option limits both your time and independence in Russia.

If you’re on a major cruise line that’s making a stop in St. Petersburg, you’ll need to buy a shore excursion from the operator or book a city tour with a local company. You will need to remain with your tour group the entire time you’re on land, so kiss that casual wandering goodbye.

If you opt for the St. Peter Line ferry from Helsinki, you’ll have a little more freedom but not much. You’ll have to either sleep on the ferry or at one of a number of pre-approved hotels. You’ll also need to take the company’s sightseeing bus tour, something that’ll eat into the precious little time you’ll actually have on land.

And while you won’t need a tourist visa, you’ll still have to go through Russian customs, which can be an experience.

It’s worth keeping in mind the St. Peter Line ferry is no luxury cruise ship. Rooms are small and basic, with the most budget-friendly options coming in at around $230, not including extras like the required shore tour, an extra $30 per person. There are restaurants, bars, and a dance club on board, but ships sailing this route look like they’re straight out of the 1990s.

This option will save you visa fees and the hassle of applying for a Russia travel visa, but there is a cost. Ferry schedules typically have passengers arriving in St. Petersburg around 9 a.m. after an overnight journey from Helsinki and departing two days later around 7 p.m., giving visitors a scant 58 hours to explore a sprawling metropolitan area that was Russia's imperial capital for two centuries and remains its cultural capital.

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15 Best Places to Visit in Russia

Written by Diana Bocco Updated Mar 21, 2024

The largest country in the world really has it all–mountains, valleys, frozen lands, and warm sands, and an incredible number of amazing natural destinations to impress any visitor.

Some of the oldest cities in Russia, including Moscow and St. Petersburg , still retain their imperial splendor–obvious not only in their architecture but also in their majestic parks, shopping centers, and even metro stations.

Other cities and regions–including far-away destinations in Siberia and the Far East –offer a chance to explore things like the stunning beauty of the tundra and the Northern Lights , volcanoes, and more skiing than you could ever dream of.

From striking gilded palaces to vast natural spaces, take a look at our list of the best places to visit in Russia.

Lake Baikal

St. peterburg, the russian tundra, olkhon island, petropavlovsk-kamchatsky, vladivostok, novosibirsk, the taiga forest, kizhi island, best time to visit russia.

When it comes to breaking records, Lake Baikal is hard to beat. This massive high-altitude rift lake in Siberia is the oldest and deepest lake in the world –reaching a maximum depth of 1,642 meters and an estimated 25 million years of age. Baikal is also the largest freshwater lake in the world–over 20 percent of the world's freshwater is in this lake.

Although Lake Baikal is considered one of the clearest lakes in the world , this is particularly noticeable in winter, where, in some areas, it's possible to see up to 40 meters down into the water–even though much of the lake's surface freezes over for up to five months of the year.

For about a month around August, the lake's water temperature can reach around 16 degrees Celsius, making it suitable for quick dips or short swims. During the rest of the year, however, it usually stays under five degrees Celsius.

In summer, Lake Baikal is a famous destination for kayaking, boat cruises, and island hopping to discover shorelines and beaches. In winter, when the lake freezes over, visitors can cross-country ski across sections of it and visit the frozen Tazheran Steppes caves.

Since most international flights arrive or at least stop in Moscow, it's worth planning your trip so you at least have a few hours to explore the city . Russia's capital is a magnificent mix of greenery, stunning architecture, and lots of historical reminders of times gone by.

Visitors to Moscow usually start exploring in the center, where the Kremlin , Red Square , and the colorful St. Basil's Cathedral are located. The shopping mall GUM , with its glass and steel roof, is also a popular destination–even for tourists who can't afford the luxury brands sold here–and a great place to try authentic Russian food.

Even if museums are not exactly your thing, Moscow has some amazing options worth visiting, including The State Tretyakov Gallery (which houses only Russian art); the Pushkin Museum (for more international collections); and the Kremlin Armory Museum for a look into some unique items, such as the ivory throne of Ivan the Terrible and gold-covered imperial carriages.

The Bolshoi Theater , one of the largest ballet and opera theaters in the world, is also worth a visit if you can get tickets.

Some of the best things in Moscow require some walking to be properly explored, such as the pedestrian-only shopping street Stary Arbat and the boardwalk along the River Moskva.

Moscow's Metro stations are works of art in themselves, decorated with porcelain relief, crystal chandeliers, and unique mosaic artworks that make these places basically look like subterranean palaces. Mayakovskaya metro station, with its ceiling mosaics and pink rhodonite columns, and Kiyevskaya station, filled with white marble, frescoes and elaborate artworks, are two of the most stunning ones to visit.

Although smaller than Moscow, St. Petersburg actually has so much to offer, it's often impossible to see it all in one day. Compared to Moscow, St. Petersburg feels more European–fine art and exquisite design details mixing in with history around every corner. You can explore it on foot to admire the architecture up close and personal, or hop on a cruise to explore part of the 300 kilometers of canals that cut through the imperial city.

For a stunning overdose of white and gold colors, visit Moika Palace (most famous for being the place where Rasputin was killed) and the Neoclassical, 19th-century St. Isaac's Cathedral , which is actually a Russian Orthodox museum.

The Hermitage Museum , perhaps St. Petersburg's most famous tourist attraction and the second largest art and culture museum in the world , has a collection of over three million items that cover everything from prehistoric art (including articles from the nomadic tribes in Altai) to Catherine the Great's art collection.

About 25 kilometers outside of St. Petersburg, and more than worth the day trip, is Peterhof Palace . Built in the early 1700s as a summer residence for Peter the Great, it greatly resembles the Palace of Versailles in France.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in St. Petersburg

The Altay Mountains in Siberia extend from Russia into China , Kazakhstan , and Mongolia . Traditionally inhabited by different ethnic groups involved in horse husbandry and forestry, it is also a very popular tourist destination for both locals and travelers. Together with a number of natural reserves and lakes, the Altay Mountains are part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site .

There's a lot of untouched beauty in Altay, where frozen rivers and snowcapped mountains attract cross-country skiers and other outdoor lovers in winter, as well as hikers (the area around Aktru Glacier is especially popular for trekking), kayakers, and climbers in summer. More unusual activities, including diving, cave exploring, and herb and mushroom picking, can also be pursued here.

The Denisova Cave in Siberia is particularly significant because of the bone fragments, artifacts, and even prehistoric horses that have been here–some dating back 50,000 years.

The resort town of Belokurikha is a popular starting point for Altay adventures, and many tourism agencies offer organized trips from here.

A summer beach resort town sitting right on the Black Sea , Sochi offers long stretches of pebble and sand beaches, imposing examples of Stalinist architecture, a summer film festival known as Kinotavr, and plenty of spas and outdoor markets to please all budgets and tastes. The longest river in Russia, Mzymta, cuts through Sochi before it empties into the Black Sea, and it's a very popular destination for rafting .

The 3000-square-kilometer Caucasian State Nature Biosphere Reserve , just 50 kilometers from Sochi, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to a number of unique species of flora and fauna, including the endangered Persian leopard.

The nearby Rosa Khutor ski resort is another favorite destination during winter and a world-class alpine skiing area –the 2014 Winter Olympic Games were hosted here.

The tundra is a unique biome that only exists in or near the Arctic Circle . Here, temperatures are so cold that trees can't grow, and only moss, shrubs, and certain types of grasses can get through the winter. In most places, the tundra is synonymous with permafrost–meaning the ground is permanently frozen. In areas where the top layer of ground does melt during summer, marshes, and streams will form over the land, leading to beautiful patches of colorful icy water.

The Russian tundra is home to polar bears, seals, gray wolves, and rich birdlife during nesting season. Over the past few decades, ecotourism has become more and more interested in the tundra areas, especially the Great Arctic State Nature Reserve near Krasnoyarsk Krai, where visitors can take a number of environmental routes to explore, try bird-watching, or visit as part of an educational tour.

The city of Murmansk , in the Kola Peninsula, not only offers incredible tundra views, but it's also a great place to catch a tour to see the Northern Lights .

Peterhof might be home to a university and a major Russian watch manufacturer, but this relatively small city's call to fame is the Peterhof Palace . Originally designed and built in the early 1700s for Tsar Peter the Great in a style that resembles the Palace of Versailles, the palace grounds cover an area of almost 4000 hectares.

There are 173 garden fountains around the palace–some, like the Grand Cascade fountains , with special features that activate water jets when people get close. The lower gardens, designed in French formal style, offer marble statues, shaded walking paths, and even an aviary pavilion.

The Grand Palace itself is a masterpiece of architecture, with majestic colors (there are gold details everywhere), art imported from Asia and the Far East, walls covered in authentic Chinese silk, and a massive ballroom covered in gilded carvings. The palace contains 10 separate museums, which hold art, furniture, and palace items from the 18 th century.

One of the world's largest lake islands , Olkhon is covered in steep mountains, lush forests, and taiga. The island is in Eastern Siberia and has a small permanent population that consists mostly of local Buryats, a Mongolic indigenous group who believes the island to be a powerful spiritual place.

Tourism has become a growing industry on Olkhon Island, with visitors coming over to explore places such as the coastal sand dunes and the abandoned Peschanaya Village and former Soviet labor camp nearby.

This area is also famous for its "walking trees," an unusual phenomenon that causes strong winds to uncover tree roots on the beach and gives them the appearance of a standing person.

There are several semi-urban settlements on the island, with Khuzir being the largest and the one offering homestays for visitors who want to stay over. The village also houses the small but interesting National History Museum of Revyakin , which chronicles life on the island as far back as Neolithic times .

Located in the Russian Far East, the city of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky is surrounded by volcanoes (including the active, snowcapped Koryakskaya Sopka volcano) and cannot be reached by road–in fact, the only way to get into the city is to fly in.

Those who take on the challenge and get here, however, will discover an active city center with tons of monuments, squares, and churches. The city lies right against Avacha Bay, a great place for a waterside stroll and to catch a whale watching tour .

Tours to the volcanoes should be at the top of your list if you visit here, but skiing on Krasnaya Sopka mountain and a visit to the world's only Museum of Salmon are also must-dos.

The small but unique Vulcanarium Museum here offers a unique insight into the world of volcanoes and probably your only chance ever to touch lava.

Located near the borders with China and North Korea and just across the ocean from Japan, Vladivostok is Russia's largest port city. A major stop on the Trans-Siberian Railway route, the city was actually off-limits to foreigners during Soviet Union times and now receives lots of foreign visitors eager to discover it.

The city is home to many parks and public spaces, including Sportivnaya Harbor with its beautiful beach and promenade, and the Eagle's Nest viewpoint at the top of a hill.

Vladivostok's Russky Bridge is a stunning architectural marvel and the longest cable-stayed bridge in the world at 1,885 meters. The bridge connects Vladivostok to Russky Island, where visitors will find Philippovsky Bay and its beautiful sandy beaches , as well as Voroshilov Battery, a military museum.

History buffs will appreciate a chance to explore the WWII C-56 Submarine or visit the Museum Vladivostok Fortress , originally built to protect the city against potential attacks from Japan.

Anapa–perfectly located against the Black Sea and a very popular resort destination for decades–is well known for its sandy beaches, spas, and stunning views from the rocky promontory where Anapa's lighthouse sits. A somewhat more modest destination than Sochi, Anapa also offers plenty of other things to keep visitors entertained besides coastal attractions.

Places worth exploring include The Anapa Archaeological Museum and the single remaining gate of an Ottoman fort that once occupied this area. There's also the archaeological site of Gorgippia, which dates back to the 6th century BCE and was once a busy maritime trade port.

Both the Sukko Valley and the Wildlife Preserve of Bolshoy Utrish are just minutes away from the city and offer plenty of options to explore nature, swim in clear waters, and take to the trails for some trekking.

Located on the banks of the Ob River, Novosibirsk is the third-largest city in Russia and the unofficial capital of Siberia –a place where summers are hot enough to swim and sunbathe (Novosibirk has its own man-made beach on the shores of a reservoir), and the winters have temperatures that can reach -45 degrees Celsius.

Home to the Novosibirsk Opera and Ballet Theater , a number of universities, and several museums, the city has much to offer visitors. The outdoor Museum for Railway Technology is particularly interesting, as it features many diesel and steam locomotives, electric trains, snowplows, and a number of unusual carriages, such as tank cars, hospital and prison cars, and even fire engines.

The Novosibirsk Trans-Siberian railway station is one of the largest ones in the country and it was once at the epicenter of the transport of prisoners to gulags (Soviet forced labor camps). Today, it is the main departing point for train adventures to nearby cities, including the town of Berdsk , on the shores of the Ob Sea–which is actually a man-made reservoir, not an actual sea.

The Russian taiga is a unique ecoregion that sits between the frozen tundra in the North and the more temperate mixed forests in the South. It's essentially a type of boreal forest where only coniferous trees like pines, spruces, and larches grow.

Parts of Alaska and Canada are covered in Taiga, too, but the Russian taiga brings a level of isolated beauty you won't find anywhere else. Here, temperatures can reach as low as -20 degrees Celsius, though the Siberian taiga can easily see nights of -50°C during the coldest months. In the north of the country, the taiga experiences the midnight sun in summer and polar night in winter.

The heart of the taiga is north of Irkutsk city, where dogsledding, snowshoeing, and the northern lights are waiting for you. Extreme tour operations take visitors to the area to spend days outdoors before warming up in a steam bath inside a wooden cabin, a local tradition.

Vodlozersky National Park falls within the Russian taiga. It covers over 4,000 square kilometers and is a popular destination for white water rafting and bird-watching. The park can only be reached via a countryside road from the town of Pudozh, 352 kilometers away. Once at the park, your only connection with civilization is the village of Kuganavolok , which has 500 permanent residents.

The tiny settlement of Dargavs, better known as "the city of the dead," has just over 150 permanent living residents – and at least just as many dead ones. Located near the Georgian border and only reachable after a remote and difficult one-hour drive, this tiny village is famous for its ancient cemetery.

Legend goes, the unusual cemetery – which consists of small stone buildings with serrated roofs sitting on a hill – was created in the 18th century as the final resting place for plague victims. Once infected, families would move into these "homes" with food and some personal items and stay there until (and after) their deaths. Today, visitors arrive here from all over the world to see the eerie but beautiful sight.

The closest major city is Vladikavkaz, an industrial town with plenty of cultural and historical sights that's also worth a visit.

Located in Lake Onega in northwestern Russia, this tiny, six-kilometer-long island has been inhabited since at least the 15th century.

The island's most famous sight is the Kizhi Pogost, an open-air museum with over 80 ancient wooden structures. The two 18th-century churches are especially stunning and have been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site . They're also considered one of the most amazing and tallest wooden structures in Europe.

The main church is home to 22 silver domes (the tallest one being 37 meters) and a massive wooden altar, as well as 102 icons that decorate its walls. It was built using no nails and, legend goes, using only one axe. There is no other wooden structure in Russia built in a similar style.

To reach the island, visitors must take a picturesque ferry from the nearby city of Petrozavodsk. During summer, cruises take visitors around the lake before stopping at the island.

The best time to visit Russia depends on many factors: where you're going within the massive country, what you plan on doing when you land (hiking around Lake Baikal or touring museums in Moscow?) and just how willing you are to experience extreme weather.

If you're after savings, November and early Spring (especially March) are the cheaper months , but both are rainy and on the chilly side, with November feeling more like winter than fall.

Summer months are the most expensive months to arrive in Russia, when hotels are fully booked and flight prices skyrocket. Summer also means very hot temperatures, big crowds, and long lines to access museums or to catch a boat to tour the St. Petersburg canals.

If you plan on spending time outdoors, early fall is usually better than summer . Places like the Golden Ring (an area that extends north-east of Moscow) and Lake Baikal and the Ural Mountains are stunning in the fall, as the trees change color and a red hue takes over the entire region.

Most of the mountain trails are open in Autumn and the weather is perfect for long hikes. Lake Baikal is equally beautiful in winter, and the water looks a deep navy blue under the frozen surface, offering an incredible opportunity to skate right over the world's largest freshwater lake.

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Helicopter Crash Near Volcano in Russia’s Far East Kills at Least 17

The helicopter was flying tourists in Russia’s Kamchatka region. No survivors were expected among the 22 people on board, state news agencies said.

By Alan Yuhas

A helicopter flying tourists near a volcano in Russia’s Far East crashed on Saturday, killing at least 17 people, according to emergency officials who discovered the wreckage the next day and state news agencies.

The helicopter was carrying 19 passengers and three crew members, the governor of the Kamchatka region, Vladimir Solodov, said Saturday on Telegram after the search began. He said it had taken off near the region’s Vachkazhets volcano — a tourist attraction in the remote Kamchatka Peninsula — and was heading toward the village of Nikolaevka.

On Sunday, Mr. Solodov said that the wreckage of the helicopter, an Mi-8, had been found, and that “we are doing everything possible to get specialists to the scene as quickly as we can.”

A rescue team found the wreckage on Sunday at an altitude of 900 meters, or almost 3,000 feet, not far from where the helicopter’s crew had last made contact, Russia’s ministry of emergencies said on Telegram .

The rescue crew found 17 bodies, the ministry reported. The emergency service told the state news agency Tass that, based on the condition of the wreckage, no survivors were expected.

The agency posted a photo and video on Telegram that showed shards of a helicopter lying on the side of a steep hill in a mountainous region.

Fast-changing, harsh and sub-Arctic weather often buffets the peninsula, and there was fog, drizzle and poor visibility in the area on Saturday, according to the Kamchatka Department of Hydrometeorology and Environmental Monitoring. In 2021, another Mi-8 helicopter carrying tourists crashed into a deep volcanic crater lake in Kamchatka, killing eight people.

The region’s investigative agency covering transportation has opened an inquiry into possible violations of traffic safety and air transport rules in Saturday’s crash, it said in a statement. Tass reported that the company operating the helicopter, Vityaz-Aero, was reprimanded by the authorities in 2021 over the crash into the Kamchatka crater lake.

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the ultimate travel guide to Russia

Awe-inspiriting architecture, free-flowing vodka, hearty cuisine and fairy-tale castles. Sprawling expanses of forest and icy planes. Hip bars, opulent cathedrals and high-end shopping precincts. There’s a reason travellers are becoming increasingly intrigued by a trip to Russia. Welcome to our Russia travel guide.

One of the world’s most mysterious destinations (thanks to that impenetrable Iron Curtain), Russia is starting to pop up on many a travel hot list.

The nation’s capital, Moscow is one of Europe’s great cultural destinations. Among the many drawcards are the magnificent historical and contemporary art galleries, the picturesque Red Square, The Kremlin and the Bolshoi Theatre. On top of that are the incredible parks and churches.

The variety of food on offer in Moscow is also worthy of note. Feast on traditional Russian soups, stews, pelmeni (dumplings), filled pancakes and caviar.

For more than 100 years Hotel National Moscow has witnessed the country’s political transformation, from imperial reign through to communist rule and the fall of the Soviet Union.

It’s a hotel that perfectly matches the city’s fascinating history.

St Petersburg is a culture capital as riddled with tales of Russia’s turbulent history as it is with artworks and canals.

Thanks to its extreme northerly position, from 11 June to 2 July St Petersburg becomes an insomniac’s dream as the sun never sets. Known as the season of the midnight sun, it’s celebrated with the White Nights Festival. This showcases classical ballet and opera and culminates in the traditional Scarlet Sails celebration.

St Petersburg’s legendary State Hermitage Museum or the Winter Palace, was historically the main residence of the Russian Tsars. Today it presents something of a quandary – do you view the three million (no, that’s not a typo) artworks spanning the Paleolithic to the present day, or the grand architecture housing the art – the splendid confection of the Winter Palace with swathes of gold on walls, columns and ceilings?

According to those in the know, if you spent a minute looking at each exhibit, you would need 11 years to see them all.

Part of the Golden Ring of quaint towns some 200km north-east of Moscow, Suzdal was the capital of the Rostov-Suzdal principality in the 12th century. It’s a quaint little town with a very rich history. Having avoided the industrialisation that blighted much of Russia during the Soviet era (it was bypassed by the Trans-Siberian railways in the 19th century despite lobbying by locals), the town is dotted with stunning historic Russian architecture, including blue-domed churches (the Nativity of the Virgin Cathedral), monasteries, and its very own 10th-century Kremlin.

You may like to venture further afield and explore the icy beauty and rambling forests of Siberia .

Perhaps a trip on the iconic Trans-Siberian railway appeals. It’s the longest railway line in the world (9289 kilometres of track) travelling through the wilds of Siberia taking six nights to travel from Moscow to Vladivostok, and also branching off along the way into the Trans-Mongolian and Trans-Manchurian railways from where you can travel to Beijing, China, and then by connecting train to Vietnam and even Singapore if you are patient.

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Siberia is a famous Russian region, but you will only understand what it is like if you visit it personally. One of Siberia's most famous landmarks is the deepest and cleanest Baikal lake. However, it is not the only sight worth seeing: there are hundreds of other natural treasures hidden in Siberia. Everyone is welcome: there are facilities for eco-tourism, active sports, and a historical journey. You can visit the region at any time of the year: it looks and feels great during cold wintertime and in summer. A visit to Siberia will challenge all stereotypes and give anyone an absolutely different look at this far corner of the world.

• #Baikal Lake

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Tourism in Russia

Tourism industry in russia.

Tourism is a growing branch of the economy in Russia. According to the World Tourism Organization, Russia occupies one of the leading places in the world in the field of international tourism. In 2014, about 28 million international tourists visited the country (the 9th place in the world).

The rich cultural heritage and natural diversity puts Russia on a prominent place in the world among countries with potential of tourism growth. There are more than two dozen UNESCO World Heritage sites in the country. Different regions and ethnic groups have a wide variety of traditions.

The main tourist routes in Russia include visits to Moscow and St. Petersburg, resort establishments in the Krasnodar and Stavropol regions, the Kaliningrad region, the ski resorts of the Caucasus and Siberia, the Golden Ring of Russia, cruises along the Volga, cruises on an icebreaker to the national park “Russian Arctic”, trips on the Trans-Siberian Railway (the Altai Mountains, Lake Baikal), traveling to the volcanoes of Kamchatka and Primorye.

Russia Travel latest news and posts from our blog:

28 August, 2024 / Amazing Landscapes of Kamchatka .

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News, notes and thoughts:

3 August, 2022   / According to FOM, 69% of Russians have never gone on vacation abroad, 30% - even outside their native region. Sochi and the resorts of Krasnodar Krai are the most popular destinations of domestic tourism - 33%, Moscow, St. Petersburg and the Crimea - 19%, the cities of the Volga region (Nizhny Novgorod, Cheboksary, Kazan, Samara, Saratov, Volgograd, Astrakhan) - 14%.

14 October, 2020   / According to the Association of Tour Operators of Russia, the summer tourist season in the country was better than expected, the drop in tourist flow was only 30% against the projected 50-70%. Krasnodar Krai has been visited by about 9 million tourists, Kaliningrad - 1.7 million (30% more than in 2019).

7 October, 2020   / In 2021, citizens of 52 countries (Germany, India, Italy, Spain, China, France, Japan, etc.) will be able to visit Russia using a single e-visa ($ 40, up to 16 days, all regions) issued online for tourist, business, humanitarian, and guest trips. No documents confirming the purpose of the trip are required.

Tourist attractions of Russia

Russia is the largest country in the world in terms of area. The country is located in several climatic zones, it is distinguished by a variety of relief forms. Russia has a rich history, hundreds of large and small peoples live here.

Natural attractions of Russia

In Russia there are plenty of interesting and unique objects of nature. First of all, it is Baikal - the deepest freshwater lake in the world. On the shores of Lake Baikal tourist infrastructure is relatively well developed. In particular, there is an excursion train running on the historical section of the Circum-Baikal Railway.

A significant part of the territory of Russia is occupied by mountain systems, including the northern part of the highest mountain system in Europe - the Caucasus, where you can find beautiful waterfalls, canyons, unique species of animals. In Kamchatka there are world-famous volcanoes and the famous Valley of Geysers. This region is also known as the land of bears, which are one of the symbols of Russia.

Other well-known natural attractions are the Stolby Nature Reserve near Krasnoyarsk, the Weathering Pillars of Manpupuner in Komi, the Lena Pillars, the Amur Pillars, the Kungur Cave in the Northern Urals, the Curonian Spit near Kaliningrad, the Daursky Reserve, the Putorana Plateau, the Golden Mountains of Altai, the Sikhote-Alin Reserve, and a number of others. The Amur, Lena, Yenisei, Ob, and Volga rivers are also known as Russian places of interest.

One of the characteristic features of Russia is a large number of territories in the permafrost zone. In the town of Igarka in the Krasnoyarsk region there is a museum dedicated to this natural phenomenon.

Such natural phenomenon as “White Nights”, one of the symbols of St. Petersburg, should also be mentioned. Murmansk and Arkhangelsk oblasts are known for their colorful northern lights.

The variety of Russian nature

Russian mountains

Author: Alekseev Mitya

Russian fields

Author: Andrey Bogdanov

Russian rivers

Author: Sveshnikov Alexander

Architectural sights of Russia

Man-made sights of Russia are extremely diverse. Nevertheless, a significant part of them is almost unknown to foreigners. The most popular among tourists are Moscow and St. Petersburg, the towns of the Golden Ring of Russia, Nizhny Novgorod, Kazan, Volgograd, Veliky Novgorod, Vologda, Pskov.

Russia is known for its traditional architecture. You can find beautiful examples of Russian architecture both in cities and in the countryside, for example, the Church of the Intercession on the Nerl, the Transfiguration Church on the island of Kizhi and the entire unique wooden complex of Kizhi, the Solovetsky archipelago.

The Moscow Kremlin and the Peterhof Palace in St. Petersburg are admirable. The historical centers of St. Petersburg, the towns of the Golden Ring, Nizhny Novgorod, Kazan, Veliky Novgorod, Yaroslavl, Tobolsk, Irkutsk are visited by a lot of tourists.

The country also has numerous old and new architectural sights of other peoples, for example, the mosque of Kul-Sharif in Kazan, Lyalya-Tulip in Ufa, the Heart of Chechnya in Grozny, the Golden Monastery of the Buddha Shakyamuni in Elista, the Ivolginsky datsan near Ulan-Ude, the Ancient Bulgar, etc.

One can especially note such unique monuments of defensive architecture as the fortresses of Derbent and Naryn-Kala in Derbent, the Novgorod Kremlin, kremlins of other cities of central Russia, Kronstadt, Vovnushki and other towers of Ingushetia, etc. Such famous work of monumental art as the monument to the Motherland on the Mamayev Hill in Volgograd is also worth mentioning.

In addition to civil and church architecture, in Russia there are a lot of interesting technical places of interest: the Ostankino TV tower, the drawbridges of St. Petersburg, the cable-stayed bridges of Vladivostok, the old mining plants of the Urals, the hydroelectric power plants (in particular, the Sayano-Shushenskaya HPP), giant quarries (for example, the diamond mine in Mirny), the world’s deepest Kola borehole and others.

As in the case of natural attractions, Russia has museums that reflect all aspects of human activity, including world-famous ones, such as the State Hermitage Museum and the Russian Museum in St. Petersburg, the Pushkin Museum and the Tretyakov Gallery in Moscow.

The cities of Russia

Author: Sergey Kozin

Saint Petersburg

Author: Alex Grachov

Author: Vyacheslav Leksin

Other attractions of Russia

Cruises along such major rivers as the Volga, Lena, Yenisei are also popular among tourists. Here, especially on the Volga, connected by the channel system with Moscow and St. Petersburg, a lot of different offers are available. On smaller rivers, as well as large lakes and some sea routes, cruises are also carried out. One of the most interesting examples is a cruise on an icebreaker to the North Pole from Murmansk.

Pilgrimage tourism is gradually developing and becoming popular. The main centers of such tourism are the following well-known monasteries: Valaam, Trinity-Sergius Lavra, Nilo-Stolobenskaya Desert, Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery, Verkhoturye Nikolayevsky Monastery, Svyato-Uspensky Sarov Desert, Belogorsky Resurrection Monastery, Raifa Monastery, Sviyazhsk monasteries and others.

Hunting and fishing in Russia is very diverse. Despite the fact that Russia is considered one of the countries with the coldest climate, its territory includes regions with a moderate sea climate (the Kaliningrad region, Taman), a semi-dry Mediterranean climate (a stretch of coast from Anapa to Tuapse), a humid subtropical climate (Sochi), a moderate monsoon climate (Primorsky Krai), where summer resorts are located.

Features of traveling to Russia

Accommodation in russia.

Today, all possible accommodation offers are presented in Russia: hotels of all classes, hostels, motels along the main highways, camping sites, and apartment rentals. The largest share of the hotel market is occupied by Moscow, St. Petersburg, the resorts of the Krasnodar region (primarily post-Olympic Sochi), the towns of the Golden Ring, Kazan.

There is no single booking system in Russia. In popular Internet services there are mainly hotels located on popular tourist routes. A lot of hotels, hostels and firms offering apartments for rent have websites with their own reservation system, but hotels in small non-tourist towns are characterized by a lack of sites.

Catering in Russia

Catering in Russia is enough to meet the demands of tourists. The only problem that can be faced is that in small towns and villages on weekends all restaurants and cafes can be closed for special services (they hold private banquets and do not accept other clients).

In terms of cuisine, some variety is represented only in major cities (regional centers), and in the most popular tourist centers. Everywhere there are Russian and Ukrainian cuisines, which are known for their soups and salads.

The most famous dishes of Russian cuisine known abroad are pancakes, cabbage soup, pies, pelmeni, red and black caviar. It is impossible not to mention Russian vodka. Depending on the region, local national cuisine can also be presented.

Russian landscapes

Russian winter

Author: Michel Mignotet

Russian steppes

Author: Dvornikov Mikhail

Russian lakes

Author: Mikhail Grizly

Transport, language, money in Russia

Today, the most developed and used transport in Russia is rail transport. Traveling by car is not very convenient, given the size of the country, insufficient safety and development of the road network. The air communication between the regions is also very limited. You can fly from Moscow to a significant number of regional centers, but that’s all.

An important problem is the language barrier. The Russian language is based on Cyrillic, so reading or at least interpreting inscriptions and texts made in Russian for most tourists is an extremely difficult task. Transliteration of signs and translation of texts is not common in Russia, but the situation is gradually changing.

In addition, very few people outside of Moscow and St. Petersburg can speak English, although almost all schools in Russia teach English. In some regions of Russia, locals speak Russian badly, actively using the language of the people living in this particular place. This is especially evident in rural areas, for example, in Bashkiria, the Caucasus republics, the northern regions of Russia, Buryatia, the national republics of Central Russia.

The currency of the Russian Federation is the Russian ruble. It is almost impossible to use other currency. The exception is passenger transport, which crosses the border, and some, very few, companies providing various tourist services and products in large tourist centers.

Currency exchange in the province is somewhat more complicated than in Moscow and St. Petersburg, but almost always it is a feasible task (especially if you need to buy rubles). This service is provided in almost all banks.

Tourist targeted scams in Russia

Most visits to Russia are safe and trouble-free. That said, there are a number of things to watch out for. The first is unofficial taxis. These taxis do not have meters and you can be easily overcharged. To get around this, you can use taxi booking apps like Yandex or Gett. Other issues involve being ripped off by ballet ticket touts or fake/overpriced amber, if you have not done your research on the correct places to buy these items from. For more information, check out the website travelscams.org for a list of travel scams in Russia .

Local residents in Russia

In general, people living in Russia are quite peaceful and friendly. In most regions of the country, a visiting person will always be helped. If there are places of interest in the area, they will try to explain how to get to them.

The situation may change in places with a large number of tourists. Also quite often locals of provincial tourist centers too clearly see the difference between their own standard of living and the level of living of visitors. This may lead to conflicts, however, these are only individual cases and not the rule.

In places where tourism is an important source of income for the local population, there are cases of imposing services, the prices for services provided to foreign tourists (excursions, tours, museums, souvenirs, food) can be several times higher than for local residents.

On the general relatively favorable background, several regions of the Russian Federation are distinguished, where the number of crimes against visitors is higher. This is primarily some of the republics of the North Caucasus and the Republic of Tuva. Finally, in any region of Russia, tourists have a risk to meet with certain categories of people who pose a danger to them.

Photos and pictures

Russian churches.

Church in Novgorod

Author: Zaritsky Igor

Cathedral in Yaroslavl

Author: Nadezda Shklyaeva

Cathedral in Yoshkar-Ola

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Russia is open for international travelers regardless their citizenship/country of residence. Tourist visas are being issued in the USA, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the UK, EU, Japan, and worldwide. Electronic visas (up to 16 days of stay, single entry) are available for the following nationals: Austria, Andorra, Bahrain, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Croatia, Cyprus, China, Czech Republic, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Iceland, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Latvia, Lithuania, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, Myanmar, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Oman, Poland, Portugal, Philippines, Romania, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, Sweden, Taiwan, Turkey, Vatican, Vietnam.

You can bring foreign currency and exchange money freely in Russia. You can open a bank account and g et a debit card in one hour time, once you will have arrived, we assist.

Medical insurance is available for international travelers through Russian insurance companies.

International flights to Moscow and St Petersburg are available via Tbilisi (Georgia), Yerevan (Armenia), Baku (Azerbaijan), Istanbul (Turkey), Belgrade (Serbia), Dubai & Abu-Dhabi (UEA), Doha (Qatar), Algiers (Algeria),Tehran (Iran), Muscat (Oman), Cairo (Egypt), Astana & Almaty (Kazakhstan), Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Chongqing, Shenzhen, Qingdao & Xian (China), Delhi (India), Colombo (Sri-Lanka), Male (Maldives). Information changes frequently, please inquire.

Trans-Siberian travels can fly in/out Vladivostok via Beijing (China), Harbin (China), Bangkok (Thailand), Tashkent (Uzbekistan).

Trans-Siberians taking off in Irkutsk/Lake Baikal, fly to Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan), Dushanbe (Tadjikistan), Namangan (Uzbekistan), Osh (Uzbekistan), Beijing Daxing (China), Bangkok (Thailand), Ulaaanbaatar (Mongolia).

Explore the best travel destinations in Russia with our wide range of sightseeing tours to Moscow, St Petersburg, Golden Ring, Kazan; Northern Lights viewing tours; wildlife & nature tours to Lake Baikal tours, Altai, Kamchatka tours, Trans-Siberian train tours, and more. Find the best guided trips and expert planned Russian holidays 2023-2024.

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Russia: Rescuers find bodies after tourist helicopter crashes in Kamchatka

Rescuers from the Russian Emergencies Ministry said 18 bodies have been found after a helicopter with 22 people on board crashed in Russia’s Kamchatka peninsula.

Monday 2 September 2024 08:59, UK

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Russian Tourist Visa

Who needs a tourist visa to russia.

A tourist visa is a document that allows foreigners to travel to Russia as tourists for the purpose of holidays or to participate in events. Such visas are issued for a maximum of 180 days and cannot be extended. A tourist visa is the best option when you know exactly where and how long you will be staying without diverting from your planned itinerary. For a tourist visa to Russia, you must have confirmed accommodation for every night of your stay in the country.

Documents required for a Russian Tourist Visa

• Original Passport (at least 6 months remaining upon exit, 2 clear pages in the passport).
• Application form (available online at step 5 of the online order on this website).
• 1 passport – type photograph glued on the application form. Important: taken not more than 6 months ago (check with the photo in the passport if it is older than 6 months).
• Russian National Tourist Office Booking Form (available online at step 5 of the online order on this website).
• Tourist visa support documents (provided by us or by the applicant).
• Applicable fee.
• Applicants who are self-employed, company directors who are working from home and unemployed people need to provide a copy of bank statements for the last three months which have a current balance of a minimum of £100 per day for the duration of the visit. Please note that if you wish to provide online banking printouts, you must make sure they are certified and stamped by your bank.
• Non-UK passport holders may be asked to provide additional documents; you can see the full list of documents on this link:  https://visa.visitrussia.org.uk

Supporting documents for a Russian Tourist Visa (Voucher)

• Tourist voucher and confirmation from a travel agency (or hotel) (valid for a single- and double-entry visa for up to 90 days and for multiple-entry visas for up to 180 days).
• Booking confirmation from the hotel or a registered tourist accommodation provider (valid for a single-entry visa for the number of dates as per the booking).

The booking confirmation  should be signed by an authorised employee of the hotel/accommodation, stamped and should consist of the following:

• Title: “Booking confirmation of a hotel”, reference number and the date of issue.
• The official name of the hotel, its actual address and registration number in “The unified list of classified hotels, ski slopes and beaches”.
• The details of the foreign tourist (last name, forenames, date of birth, gender, citizenship, passport/travel document number).
• The dates of arrival and departure from the hotel.
• Other information about the conditions of booking (at the discretion of the hotel).

The hotel/accommodation provider can be checked using the registration number of the hotel on  this website .

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European Russia stretches from the borders of Belarus and Ukraine to the Ural mountains, over 1000km east of Moscow; even without the rest of the vast Russian Federation, it constitutes by far the largest country in Europe. Formerly a powerful tsarist empire and a Communist superpower, Russia continues to be a source of fascination for travellers. While access is still made relatively difficult by lingering Soviet-style bureaucracy – visas are obligatory and accommodation usually has to be booked in advance – independent travel is increasing every year, and visitors are doubly rewarded by the cultural riches of the country and the warmth of the Russian people.

Where to go in Russia

Russian for beginners, russian red tape.

Moscow, Russia’s bustling capital, combines the frenetic energy of an Eastern city with the cosmopolitan feel of a Western one. With its show-stopping architecture – from the tsarist palaces of the Kremlin and the onion domes of St Basil’s Cathedral, through the monumental relics of the Communist years, to the massive building projects of today – and the impersonal human tide that packs its streets and subways, the metropolis can feel rather overwhelming. By contrast, St Petersburg, Russia’s second city, is Europe at its most gracious, an attempt by the eighteenth-century tsar Peter the Great to emulate the best of Western European elegance in what was then a far-flung outpost. Its people are more relaxed and friendly, and its position in the delta of the River Neva is unparalleled, giving it endless watery vistas. Visible – often ostentatious – but uneven wealth creation in both cities has made them twin figureheads for Russia’s recent high-speed renaissance.

Top image © Grisha Bruev/Shutterstock

Travel advice for Russia

From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for visiting Russia

• How to get to Russia
• Culture and Etiquette in Russia
• Eating and drinking in Russia
• Getting around Russia: Transportation Tips
• Sports and Outdoor activities in Russia
• Travel Tips Russia for planning and on the go
• Best time to visit Russia

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10 Top Tourist Attractions in Russia

By Mike Kaplan · Last updated on April 3, 2024

The largest country in the world, Russia offers a broad array of travel experiences, from treks up the slopes of glacier-capped mountains to strolls along the shoreline of Earth’s oldest lake. Historical sites and cultural activities in the country’s great cities abound as well. Whether you’re exploring the grounds of Moscow’s Kremlin or wandering through the steppes of Mongolia, a visit to Russia is an adventure not soon forgotten. These top tourists attractions in Russia can inspire a great Russian itinerary for a memorable trip.

10. Trans-Siberian Railway

Part of the longest railway system in the world, the classic Trans-Siberian railway runs from Moscow to Vladivostok, a city near Russia’s borders with China and North Korea. Begun in 1891 by Tsar Alexander III and completed by his son, Tsar Nicholas II, in 1916, the line is known as the route of the tsars. Most travelers use the train as overnight accommodation from one destination to the next. The train features first-, second- and third-class sleepers, some with private bathrooms and showers.

9. Mount Elbrus

Mount Elbrus is located in the Caucasus Mountain Range in Southern Russia. At 5,642 meters (18,510 ft), Elbrus is included as one of the Seven Summits, the highest summits on each of the planet’s seven continents, attracting both experienced and novice mountain climbers. While the mountain was formed from a volcano, it is considered dormant, with no recorded eruptions. A cable car system can take visitors as high as 3,800 meters (12,500 ft), facilitating ascents to the summit.

8. Valley of Geysers

Situated on the Kamchatka Peninsula in the Russian Far East, the Valley of Geysers is the second largest geyser field in the world. The Valley of Geysers was discovered in 1941 by local scientist Tatyana Ustinova. Since then it became a popular tourist attraction in Kamchatka and attracts a lot of interest from scientists and tourists.

7. Kizhi Island

Located in Karelia, a region in Northwestern Russia that borders Finland and the White Sea, Kizhi Island is best known for its incredible open-air museum. Karelians have lived in the region since the 13th century, torn between the cultures of the East and the West. The museum’s collection features the 120-foot high Church of the Transfiguration of Our Savior, a structure made famous by its 22 domes. Other tourist attractions includes dozens of wooden houses, windmills, chapels and barns. The peasant culture is represented with craft demonstrations and folk ensembles.

6. St Sophia Cathedral, Novgorod

Located in Novgorod, Russia’s oldest city, Saint Sophia Cathedral is situated within the grounds of the city’s Kremlin. Standing 125 feet high and adorned with five spectacular domes, the cathedral is the oldest church building in Russia. Saint Sophia Cathedral features an array of ancient religious artifacts, including The Mother of God of the Sign, an icon that legend says saved Novgorod from attack in 1169. The cathedral’s three famous ornately carved gates also date back to the 12th century.

5. Lake Baikal

Many travelers on the Trans-Siberian railway make plans to stop at Lake Baikal, the deepest and oldest lake on Earth. Lake Baikal holds around 20 percent of the world’s fresh water. Located in Siberia, the 25-million-year-old lake is surrounded by mountain ranges. The lake is considered one of the clearest lakes in the world. Known as the Pearl of Siberia, Lake Baikal is home to several resorts, making the area a popular vacation destination.

Once the capital of several Russian principalities, Suzdal is the jewel of Russia’s “Golden Ring,” ancient cities that the country has preserved as living museums of Russia’s cultural past. Those who wish to experience the best of Russia’s historic architecture, full of onion-dome topped kremlins, cathedrals and monasteries, will find it in Suzdal. Dating back to 1024, the entire city is like a large open-air museum that transports visitors back in time.

3. Moscow Kremlin

The Kremlin is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting Moscow. Home to the nation’s top governmental offices, the walled enclosure also houses four cathedrals built in the 15th and 16th century as well as several notable museums. The 250-acre grounds include the Armoury, filled with royal treasures of the past, and the Diamond Fund Exhibition, a collection of jewelry that includes a 190-carat diamond given to Catherine the Great.

2. Hermitage Museum

Founded in 1764 by Catherine the Great, the Hermitage Museum in Saint Petersburg , Russia is a massive museum of art and culture showing the highlights of a collection of over 3 million items spanning the globe. The collections occupy a large complex of six historic buildings including the Winter Palace, a former residence of Russian emperors.

1. Saint Basil’s Cathedral

Built between 1554 and 1561 and situated in the heart of Moscow, St. Basil’s Cathedral has been among the top tourist attractions in Russia. It is not the building’s interior artifacts that attract visitors, but rather the cathedral’s distinctive architecture. Designed to resemble the shape of a bonfire in full flame, the architecture is not only unique to the period in which it was built but to any subsequent period. There is no other structure on earth quite like St. Basil’s Cathedral.

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Reader interactions.

August 22, 2018 at 3:09 am

The Valley of Geysers looks especially great! It is a pity it’s not nearer :).

June 8, 2015 at 6:52 am

St.Petersburg is woth visiting. Put a day to the Hermitage Museum, another day goes to the great parks in Peterhof that is bigger than Versailles. A lof of beautiful churches and cathedral, and even contemporary Russian art at Erarta museum (which is a really huge one, too)

February 17, 2014 at 7:16 am

russia is awesome .will surely visit in future.

January 24, 2014 at 3:05 am

I would change the order a bit, but I think you covered the best tourist attractions. The Valley of Geysers resembles the one at Jungfraujoch in Switzerland, although that contains the biggest glacier in Europe.

October 2, 2013 at 11:41 am

I’ll never see over my motherland – it’s too big. My lifelong dream is a visit of Lake Baikal.

November 23, 2012 at 12:28 am

Amazing travel spots in Russia, I would love to visit Lake Baikal soon.

September 13, 2012 at 5:56 am

Hermitage is a great museum, it’s one of the must see places of the world !!! 🙂

August 13, 2012 at 3:44 am

The center of Moscow is really nice … Last time I was there in 2010 :))))

July 12, 2012 at 3:40 am

Russia is seriously underrated! It is an immense country filled with wonders, ancient cultures, peoples living in yurts in Siberia, amazing landscapes and infinite steppes…