Introduction
Russia is the largest country in the world, spanning two continents and offering visitors a wide range of sights and attractions. From the historic cities of Moscow and St. Petersburg, to the natural wonders of Lake Baikal and the Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia has something to offer every type of traveler. Keep reading to learn about the top 10 most popular places to visit in this diverse and fascinating country.
1. Moscow’s Red Square and the Kremlin
Red Square lies at the very heart of Moscow, surrounded by the Kremlin’s red brick walls on one side. When you visit Red Square, you are immediately surrounded by the striking architecture of St Basil’s Cathedral, as well as the historically significant Lenin's Mausoleum. The nearby Kremlin complex serves as the official residence of the President of Russia. Inside its ancient walls, you can visit the Armoury museum to see the extravagant treasures of Russia’s royal history.
2. St Petersburg’s Palace Square
St Petersburg, Russia’s cultural capital, is most famous for its iconic Palace Square. When you stand in this massive plaza, you find yourself surrounded by the Winter Palace, the state Hermitage Museum, and Alexander Column. This harmonious square has witnessed some of the most important moments in Russia’s history. Today it remains the heart of the city, hosting concerts & celebrations. The numerous palaces, canals, bridges and pastel-colored baroque architecture give St Petersburg a truly magical, fairytale charm.
3. Mount Elbrus
Mount Elbrus, located in the Caucasus Mountains in Southern Russia, is the tallest mountain in Europe, with two peaks over 5,000 meters. If you are an adventurous traveler looking to go on a mountain trek, climbing to one of these snow-capped summits is quite the challenge! You can take a cable car partway up the mountain and hike the rest of the way to witness breathtaking mountain views.
4. Lake Baikal
Lake Baikal, located in Siberia, is the largest and deepest freshwater lake on the planet. Visiting the crystal clear waters of Lake Baikal allows you to take in the tranquil natural beauty far removed from bustling city life. You can explore quaint local villages, go hiking or camping in the wilderness, and see seals and freshwater dolphins that inhabit the lake. No visit to Russia is complete without seeing the magical Lake Baikal.
5. Suzdal
The Golden Ring is a group of ancient towns located just outside Moscow that retain their old-world Russian architecture and ambiance. Suzdal is often considered the most beautiful of these towns, with its rural countryside setting and houses made of wood. When wandering through Suzdal, you may feel like you have stepped back in time to a quieter, simpler era of Russian history untouched by modernization. This is the perfect place to appreciate traditional Russian culture.
6. Kamchatka Peninsula
The remote Kamchatka Peninsula in Russia's Far East is described as the “land of fire and ice.” This volcanic peninsula is home to over 300 volcanoes and countless glaciers, geysers and mineral springs. Adventurous travelers who manage the long trip to Kamchatka will be rewarded with incredible scenery, wildlife watching, skiing, and even volcano climbing! The rugged natural beauty makes it one of Russia’s top attractions for outdoor enthusiasts.
7. Saint Petersburg at Night
While St Petersburg glitters during the day, the city comes into its full majesty at night. Take an evening boat tour along the Neva River and surrounding canals to fully appreciate St Petersburg’s elegant architecture illuminated at night. The city center, bridges and riverside palaces shine bright with golden lights reflected in the dark waters, creating an almost ethereal atmosphere. Going for a late night stroll along Nevsky Prospekt is also a popular way to experience Russia’s Imperial capital in a magical new light.
8. The Trans-Siberian Railway
The longest railway in the world, the Trans-Siberian railway connects European Russia to Siberia and Russia's far east. One of the most epic train journeys you can take is riding the Trans-Siberian railway across this massive country, covering over 9,000 kilometers. Sit back, relax through the train window and watch the landscapes change from forests and farms to mountains to the stark Siberian tundra. Stop in cities and towns along the way to truly appreciate the scale and diversity of Russia.
9. Kizhi Island
Off the Northern coast of Lake Onega lies the remote island of Kizhi. This open-air museum of wooden architecture provides a glimpse into traditional Russian culture. When touring Kizhi, you’ll get the chance to see 300-year old wooden churches, chapels and homes constructed without the use of nails. The island’s 22 historical wooden buildings were all created from pinewood logs using only axes and other hand tools, showcasing ancient Russian carpentry skills.
10. Valley of Geysers
The Valley of Geysers found along the Kamchatka Peninsula has been described as the second greatest geyser field in the world behind Yellowstone National Park. Viewing these hot springs shooting plumes of water high into the air is an incredible natural wonder. The remote wild landscape and bubbling geothermal features create an almost alien, exotic environment waiting to be explored on Russia’s far eastern frontier.
Conclusion
From historic sites to stunning natural wonders, Russia offers incredible places for you to discover that reflect the country’s rich culture, complex history and geographic diversity. You are sure to find something amazing to explore across Russia’s vast landscape, whether you prefer bustling cities with striking architecture, quiet rural villages rich in tradition, or remote rugged natural beauty. Add some of these top attractions in Russia to your bucket list!