Planning a trip to Russia? If you love travelling and visit new places, then Russia must be
in your list of Places to Visit. The country offers so much more than just beautiful
destinations. Each of the Russian cities offers mesmerizing landscapes and unmatched
architectural monuments along with natural beauty. Deep lakes with golden sand,
snow covered mountains and deep clear water rivers makes it one of the most visited
places.
Here, we present to you the list of 10 Cities to Visit in Russia along with some of the most
amazing activities which you will definitely enjoy!
#1 Moscow
Not only in Russia, but Moscow is considered as the Most Beautiful City in the world and
is also the Capital city of Russia. While visiting Moscow, Kremlin and the Red Square are
the very first places which you must visit. The Red Square is largest landmark in Russia,
getting tremendous number of visitors each year. This city also has so many parks along
with historical places and museums too. In the center of the city, there is St. Basils
Cathedral with multi-colored towers and the roof design is one of its kind, making
surroundings even more beautiful.
Those who are interested into arts and history along with cultural heritage, Moscow has
Dostoevsky House Museum, Mayakovsky Museum, Tolstoy House Museum and more to
spend their time mesmerizing historical events. Also, the Tretikov Gallery consists of many
fine arts wonders. Such remarkable historical places make the Moscow even more
interesting and beautiful city.
The night life of the Moscow city is also one of the most enjoyed and thrilling experience
for tourists. Shopoholics can surely enjoy TSUM Shopping Center, Detsky Mir Shopping
Center. Arts lovers can find memorable opera and ballet experience here through
amazing performance arts presented here.
#2 St. Petersburg
St. Petersburg is considered as a Heaven for lovers as they can enjoy romantic walks
through majestic streets and bridges in the city. It was the capital of Russian Empire
while it was founded and offers so much more than just architectural monuments. Even
today, St. Petersburg is the Cultural Capital of Russia and attracts huge numbers of
tourists each year. Also it is said to be the Most European as well as Forward Looking
City of the Russia. Those who are interested into theater, opera, classical theater and
Ballet – will surely find this city quite enchanting.
The State Heritage Museum which is the second-largest art museum in the world is
located here and contains biggest collection of Russian art across the country. Along
with that, St Isaac’s Cathedral which is World’s Largest Orthodox Church is also located
here offering intricate mosaics spread all over the surroundings. River Neva connecting
the city with Vasilelsky and Petrogradsky has some of the amazing bridges over the
water.
The national museums here offers jaw dropping painting from some of the very popular
European painters. Also, there are so many traditional sightseeing as well as historical
cultural sights which makes St. Petersburg even more beautiful. You might be surprised
to know that this city contains more than 2000 libraries along with 220 museums and 80+
theaters.
#3 Kazan
Kazan is quite popular for being the city to hold some of the most amazing events in
history. You must have heard about the highly praised and exciting 2018 FIFA World
cup, which was held here. Along with that, some of the most attended events in history
include 2014 World Fencing Championships, 2015 World Aquatics Championships and
more. Just like any other most visited cities in Russia, Kazan also consists of many
UNESCO listed sights including Kazan Kremlin which is said to be one of the most loved
places in Russia.
So many churches with beautiful carvings, watch towers and mesmerizing museums will
surely make you awe struck here. Those who love to enjoy variety of delicacies from
various cultures will find exquisite bars, cafes and restaurants serving some of the tastiest
treats you’ve ever had. To enjoy such food items, you can visit lively Pedestrian Bauman
Street. It has so many of these popular cafes and bars situated around it.
Moreover, Kazan is the capital of Tatarstan and has a unique combination of Russian as
well as Asian influence into architectural style. There is Kul Sharif Mosque with uniquely
styled Sky-blue domes which will surely make your day. Kremlin also has been built with
European and Islamic architectural fusion and attracts so many tourists each day. Also,
the city is situated around the Volga river, which offers boat trip and has so many
memorable sightings surrounding it. Enjoying the Kazan’s cityscape during the evening
time will surely make your this Russia trip, one of the best ever trips. For shopping lovers,
there are so many markets offering some of the awesome local items. Central Market
here offers historical items along with delicious local dishes and some of the most
exciting festivals are often held here.
#4 Sochi
Haven’t yet decided the perfect time to visit Russia? Well, Sochi is amongst those most
amazing places which is suitable to visit during Winter as well as Summer. So whenever
you visit Russia, Sochi must be on your visiting places list as it was the host of some of the
marvelous events ever. One of the such events was 2014 Winter Olympics when Sochi
was established for both 2014 Olympic as well as Paralympic Games in Russia. Both
winter as well as summer are suitable and hence tourists from across the globe prefer to
visit this city each year.
Since the 2014 Winter Olympic – Sochi got its recognition across the world and since
that time tourism surrounding the city have been receiving a total blast in number of
tourists. Because Sochi is located by the Black sea, it is suitable for multiple seasons and
it even offers some of the exquisite sporting activities nearby. During summer, tourists
can visit Dolphinarium Riviera/ Tiso-Samshitovay Rosha, a nature reserve which is loved
by everyone.
Foodies are absolutely going to find an entire heaven of world-class restaurants offering
delicious food items from localities and unique Russian cuisine. Sochi even offers luxury
hotels for those who are interested in spending a few days here to enjoy the
surroundings here. Sunny beaches here makes a total difference for those who loves to
have a quiet evening and just lay by the banks of the sea. Nightlife is quite dazzling in
Sochi with so many clubs and events being held here every now and then.
#5 Yekaterinburg
This unique city contains amazing buildings and statues along with unique sights which
makes it one of the amazing cities of Russia. The village of Kanara located just a few
kilometers from the city has fairytale soviet houses built during mid-century by Sergey
Kirillov who was a local blacksmith. On the banks of Iset River, there is an oversized
keyboard – a monument which has been build perfectly lets tourists make a wish and
type it and hit the enter – which is said to be making your wishes true
Yekaterinburg State Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre offers modern as well as
classic ballet and opera productions here, making it unique places to visit. Iset River
Dam located in the heart of the city is a place to relax while you are here and visiting
all these nicest places. The pedestrian boulevard is the perfect place to relax and enjoy
the manicured gardens here.
Other places of interest include the Black Tulip War Memorial, Ganina Yama Monastery,
Church Upon the Blood, Vysotsky Viewing Platform and more. The Museum of Military
Equipment contains an impressive and huge collection of vintage retro military vehicles.
It is one of the largest collections of army boats, tanks and planes. Music lovers will find
The Beatles Monument here which is a counter-culture of the 1906s and those who love
Western Pop Music will find it quite amazing.
#6 Vladivostok
Vladivostok is located about 4,000 miles from Moscow and offers enthralling scenic
locations and vast stretched beautiful sea views. Hilly streets here will definitely make
you fall in love with all the hills surrounding the city. Needless to say, those who love
such mountains, are definitely going to spend a few days here to enjoy such scenic
views of the hills. To sum up the most amazing things about this city, it offers modern
architecture combined with delicious cuisine and most exquisite entertainment!
If you are planning this trip during Summer, there is Sportivnaya Harbor which attracts
thousands of tourists for amusement parks here. Along with that, there are colorful drinks
being sold by local street vendors with local delicacies. You can purchase colorful and
exciting souvenirs from local markets for your loved ones. The city’s main square i.e.
Ploschad Bortsov Revolutsy is a must visit place here. Moreover, there is state-of-the-art
Russky Island Bridge leading you towards a small yet must visit island.
Some of the most visited places also include the Arseniev Regional History Museum, and
the Primorsky State Art Gallery, for art lovers. You will find a mixed up fusion version of
European and Asian culinary traditions in the city. Seafood here is quite highly
recommended by the tourists as it has oriental flavors blended into each bite.
#7 Irkutsk
Have you heard of Paris of Siberia? Well, Irkutsk is considered as the Paris here as it
contains astonishing historical monuments and offers unique decoration as well as
architectural styles. Here you will find delicately carved wooden house along with
intricate hand-carved decorations throughout some of the places. Irkutsk is the closest
city to the Lake Baikal hence you might want to stay here and spend a day or two
while you are here. As you might already know, Lake Baikal is the world’s deepest,
oldest as well as biggest freshwater lake.
The City History Museum is amongst the prime attractions here with its historical items on
the display. Also the Geology Museum with gems and minerals unique collection from
Siberia and Russian Far East is something to look forward to. The Old Town here offers
amazing Cafes and 19th Century architectural monuments all over the town. You will
love it to spend a quiet afternoon here just sitting in a café outside in the street and
enjoy the surroundings. Such wine and dine experiences will give you the calm and
freshness you need for such awesome trips.
Nearby the Irkutsk, there is Lake Baikal, which should be on your Muse Visit Places List as
it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Museum of Fine Arts contains largest collection
of Art in Siberia. Those who are nature lovers will find this place very interesting for its
scenic routes and surroundings of the city. Some of the most exciting activities here
include Dog-Sleigh, Ice Fishing as well as winter dip into the transparent icy cold water.
#8 Nizhny Novgorod
Nizhny Novgorod is world famous for the most amazing Hilltop Kremlin and is also the
fifth largest city. During 13th century, the town of Nizhny Novgorod was a fortress and
was known as Gorky. It was after the Maxin Gorky who was born here during the times.
Later on the city was destroyed by the Bolsheviks and the only thing standing was the
Archangel Cathedral. Those who are in love with Russian art and architectural
monuments must visit this place and spend a few days here.
There are around 600 monuments as well as statues spread across the Nizhny Novgorod
and one can surely visit some of the most popular ones while they are here. Other than
that, there are 200 art museums and concert halls for those who love to immerse their
selves into the arts of the Russia.
The Kremlin complex here is considered as the most visited tourist attraction here. It is an
architectural marvel as it has 12 towers and has unforgettable sights in its surroundings.
Along with Kremlin, there is Minin, Pozharsky Square, Chkalov Stairs which are some of
the most amazing places to visit and which surely mesmerize you with its architectural
styles.
During winters, there is quite cold atmosphere just like Moscow hence it would be the
perfect weather for those who love winters as well as cold. There are some villages
nearby which you can visit and get a glimpse of Russian style homes and their daily
lifestyle. River Pier is also one of the most beautiful place of Russia. From historical past
combined with latest modern architecture – the Nizhny Novgorod is a must visiting city
for your Russian Trip.
#9 Volgograd
So many historical monuments in Volgograd makes it one of the finest historical city of
Russia. There is Don Navigation Canal and Museum for those who want to know
everything about the history. The State Historical and Memorial Preserve – The Battle of
Stalingrad during 1942 and 1943 is described throughout the museum making it quite
popular place to visit in the Volga. There is the Motherland Calls Sculpture which is a
must visit place.
Mamayev Kurgan, Volgograd Speed Tram, the Eternal Flame must be on your list as
they are quite unique place to visit in Volgograd. The Ruins of the Mill named after
Grudinin is also enchanting place in the city, helps you relive all those ancient times.
Museum Pamyat , Volgograd Planetarium, Rossoshka Memorial Cemetery, Hall of
Military Glory and Volgograd Arena are some of the places to visit while you are in
Volgograd.
#10 Novosibirsk
It is located on the banks of the Ob River, which has unique style of fountains that
seems like they are floating on the surface. The city consists a West Siberian Railway
History Museum which offers a lot to learn about the city. The Siberian Coliseum which is
the unique combination of the State Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre is a must visit
place here for art lovers. Those who love to visit zoos will find the Novosibirsk Zoo here
consisting of some unique animals and their preservation work with endangered
species is quite popular.
Other place of interest include Wonder Park Galileo, Children and Youth Centre
Planetarium, Bugrinsky Bridge, Glory Monument, Novosibirsk State Museum of Local
History and Nature and many more. You will also find customized tours here planned
according to your choices and interests. Bars here have a unique taste and style which
will make most out of your trip. Delicious cuisine along with local dishes are a gem to
taste. The Alexandre Nevsky Cathedral (Sobor Alexandra Nevskogo) and Central
Siberian Botanical Garden are also quite impressive.