What to Do in Russia: 10 Essential Stops

Eastern Europe and northern Asia are home to Russia, the largest country on Earth. It has an extensive area that includes mountains, forests, flatlands and the cold tundra. All are available to view. People are familiar with Russia because of its extensive history, formidable empires, and the contributions it has made to the world in books, artefacts, or science. Saint Petersburg's popularity is due to its attractiveness and historical significance, while Moscow is the capital. Winters in that region can be extremely cold, with temperatures typically being very low in Siberia, although some parts of the world have milder winters. Russia is a significant player in global politics and has considerable influence on the world's energy, military, and cultural landscape.

1. Moscow

Moscow, Russia's capital, is where old meets new. Red Square is the city's heart, with St Basil's Cathedral's colourful domes, the Kremlin, and Lenin's Mausoleum all around. The Kremlin is a huge fort with palaces, churches, and government offices—a super important spot. Walking around Moscow feels like stepping into a history book but with all the energy of a modern city.

2. Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg, a charming and historic city, is commonly known as Russia's Cultural Capital. This is no small feat. In 1703, Tsar Peter the Great initiated it as Russia's connection to Europe, and it has held a significant place in Russian history. Great buildings, palaces, and canals are what make the city great, as they evoke memories of Venice. Visitors flock to the Winter Palace, the Hermitage Museum, and Peterhof Palace every year, making them some of the coolest places to visit. The White Nights during the summer, when the sun is barely out, create a mystical setting with abundant art pieces and musical literature.

3. Lake Baikal

Siberia's Lake Baikal is a truly magnificent lake. This ancient object is thought to be over 25 million years old and extremely deep. This is a massive area that holds roughly 20% of the world's fresh water supply. The water is really clear. Winter's arrival leads to the formation of ice that looks fantastic. Nowhere else but in Baikal will you find some unique plants and animals, including the rare Baikal seal.This destination, with its varied landscapes and forests, is a favourite among those who are passionate about nature and travel. It's also a recognised UNESCO World Heritage Site.

4. Kazan

Kazan is where Russian and Tatar cultures mix. The Kul Sharif Mosque is a standout, one of Russia's prettiest mosques, inside the Kazan Kremlin. The Kremlin is a UNESCO site that shows Christian and Muslim history. Kazan also has universities, theatres, and sports stuff. People call it Russia's third capital because it's important for history and culture.

5. Sochi

Sochi is Russia’s resort city on the Black Sea. People come for the warm weather, beaches, and nightlife in summer. In winter, it's a ski spot in the Caucasus Mountains. The 2014 Winter Olympics made Sochi famous and brought new sports stuff. You can swim in the sea and ski in the mountains all in one day; pretty cool.

6. Kamchatka Peninsula

Kamchatka is one of Russia's wildest places. It has over 300 volcanoes (some active), geysers, hot springs, and tonnes of wildlife. People like to hike here, see volcanoes, and watch bears catch salmon in rivers. It's far away and tough to get to, so Kamchatka feels hidden. If you like nature, you won't forget this place.

7. The Trans-siberian Railway

A long and famous train ride awaits on the Trans-Siberian Railway. Covering a distance of more than 9,000 kilometres, it passes through Russia from Moscow to Vladivostok. A week is sufficient for stopping, but many individuals take time off to explore different towns and natural destinations. If you're in Russia, you can see forests and hills, rivers, small villages with ramshackle architecture, and large urban centres. As one moves from the European region of Russia to Siberia and nearly to Asia, people witness cultural alterations.

You'll feel like you're going somewhere new, meeting some new friends, telling stories, and taking your time. The Trans-Siberian Railway offers an unforgettable experience that allows you to fully appreciate Russia.

8. The Golden Ring Towns

The Golden Ring towns are a collection of ancient towns in Russia that circle to the northeast of Moscow. They are named the "Golden Ring" because they're linked like a necklace, and each one is filled with old-fashioned charm. Suzdal, Vladimir, Yaroslavl and Rostov Veliky are among the towns that run on this route. The cool churches with onion-shaped domes, bright monasteries, wood houses, and centuries-old fortresses are the defining features of these towns. Walking there has evoked memories of the old Russian way of life. The people enjoy exploring Russian traditions, admiring cool architecture, and relishing the peacefulness of the countryside. The Golden Ring offers a genuine glimpse into Russian culture and history, not just for tourists.

9. Novosibirsk

The cultural centre of Siberia is Novosibirsk, which is the largest city. Russia's third position is occupied by it, after Moscow and St. The location is characterised by its coolness, as it boasts numerous universities, theatres, and museums. Following the building of a Trans-Siberian Railway route, the city became the focal point of Siberia. The combination of modern and old Siberian traditions is evident in Novosibirsk, which features opera houses, art galleries or science museums, as well as markets for crafts and food. They have the Op and Ballet Theatre, which is one of Russia's largest. The town of Akademgorodok is a hub for science enthusiasts, who participate in various activities. Visiting Novosibirsk offers an alternative to Moscow, as it offers a blend of culture and history with hints of the Siberian spirit.

10. Mount Elbrus

The Caucasus Mountains, including Mount Elbrus in Russia and Europe, hold the title for the highest peak at 5,642 metres. A sleeping volcano with two snowy summits is covered in ice all year round. Climbers from all over the world come together to climb it, as reaching the peak is a major challenge. Nevertheless, it's also perfect for tourists who want to enjoy skiing, using the cable cars, and taking in the breathtaking mountain panoramas. There is clean air, magnificent views, and vigour on the mountain. Russians view Elbrus as a symbol of strength, while travellers find it to be surrounded by nature and history.