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Russia is a magical world and you would blindly believe it once you step into its boundaries and start witnessing its artsy as well as natural beauties. This transcontinental nation has every kind of attraction to grab the attention of globetrotters from across the globe. The country has magnificent mountains, a deep intriguing past, diverse culture and lifestyle and exemplary architecture to explore. If you are looking for the ultimate place for vacationing this season, then add Russia to your bucket-list right away. Below, we unravel the most intriguing to do in Russia.
Top Things To Do In Russia
1. Visit the Renowned Saint Basil’s Cathedral
No matter what you have come to Russia for, you just can’t miss out on this eternal beauty. An amazing instance of how manmade wonders look like. Its unseen architecture and glorious history have made it the undisputed jewel of Moscow. It was founded in the late 16th century and has been a rage since then. It consists of nine equally-elegant chapels and each one of them is embellished internally with great murals and awesome designs. Truly an art made in heaven and one of the must-visit places in Russia.
Recommended For: Every tourist
Location: Red Square, Moscow
Average Price: $6.70 for Adults | No Entrance Fee for children of 16 years and below
Timings: 10:00 am to 07:00 pm
Pro Tip: Visit the cathedral at night to watch it sparkle exceptionally.
2. Summoning the City of the Dead
Dargavs Village in North Ossetia in Russia is called the City of the Dead for being home to an ancient cemetery where about 100 stone crypts are laid. The graves here contain the dead bodies and belongings of all the people who lived in the valley during old times. That’s why the place is often termed as the city of the dead. However, the greenery around would lure you into exploration more. The valley is spread across 17 km and makes for a peaceful escape. Visit it and also revitalize yourself in its pristine surroundings.
Recommended For: Explorers
Location: North Ossetia-Alana, Russia
Average Price: No Entry Fee
Ideal Timings: 06:00 am to 06:00 pm
3. Cruise the Canals and Rivers of Moscow
Cruising through beautiful streams is one of the best things to do in Russia. Whether it is the canals of Saint Petersburg or the ever-dazzling Moskva River of Moscow, the waters here pacify your soul. Take a journey down these shimmering canals and rivers and have great leisure time with your family and friends. Romance with your partner on a luxury cruise and enjoy great hospitality while staying afloat. Well, what else would you need for an amazing day with your loved ones?
Recommended For: Families, Couples, Explorers
Price Range: $10 – $200 per person
Pro Tip: The boat trips bring you the best sightseeing tours in Saint Petersburg and Moscow.
4. Visit the State Hermitage Museum
An impressive collection that would leave you awestruck, the State Hermitage Museum in Russia is the second-largest art museum on the planet. The museum houses antiquities from different eras. Here, you would find classical as well as Egyptian art forms and also, a number of Italian and Spanish works. The museum showcases a rich history and culture. As of now, it has a stupendous collection of about three million artworks. That’s why it is on the top of the bucket list of every explorer.
Recommended For: History Lovers, Culture Explorers
Location: Saint Petersburg, Russia
Entry fee: $6.80 per person
Timings: 10:30 am to 06:00 pm (Closed on Mondays)
Pro Tip: You can buy your tickets online to avoid long queues at the counter.
5. Travel Back to Simplicity at Pilgrim Porto
Let’s go back to 18th century Moscow when the city was a blissful abode and the days were simple yet fun. No, we are not kidding. Located on the outskirts of Moscow city, the abandoned buildings of the Pilgrim Porto can take you back to the past. The complex has residences, prison cells, a ship and warehouses. But how is this still in existence? Actually, it was built in 2000 for a TV series. Once the filming was done, the set was left for tourists and local visitors. It is one of the must-see places in Moscow.
Recommended For: Adventure seekers
Location: MoscowOblast
Average Price: $2 per person
Timings: 10:00 am to 07:30 pm
Pro Tip: The place is perfect for theme photography.
6. Visit the Quaint Town of Sochi
Sochi is a gorgeous beachside city sitting on the shores of the Black Sea and the Sochi River. The town is also surrounded by towering lush green hills. And that’s what makes it a dream destination for many travellers. The city has amazing stone and sandy beaches where you can sunbathe, play in the sea or just laze in the sand. Sochi has a number of resorts where you enjoy the best of luxury and hospitality in the town. So, do not wait and be on the way already. The city has wonderful delights to offer at restaurants and cafes too.
Recommended For: Families, Couples, Beach Lovers
Average Price: No Entrance Fee
Timings: Anytime
Pro Tip: Visit Chernomorskaya Street for fine dining.
7. Admire the Beatific Kolomenskoye Village
Away from the busy lifestyle of Russian cities is the peaceful Kolomenskoye Village. Once a royal estate and now characterised by impressive churches, picturesque location and historic buildings, the Kolomenskoye village seems like a beauty descended from heaven. Be it the grandeur of the Wooden Palace or the divinity of the Ascension Church or the charming oak groves, everything in and around the village is worth exploring. You can also gaze at the banks of the Moskva River and get mesmerised.
Recommended For: History Lovers, Families, Couples, Photographers
Location: Near Moscow, Russia
Average Price: Free Entrance to the park | $1 – $4 for museums
Timings: 09:00 am to 08:00 pm
Pro Tip: The apple orchards of the park are perfect for picnickers.
8. Rejuvenate at the Laid-Back Gorky Park
Named after the Russian writer, Maxim Gorky, and covering an area of about 300 acres, Gorky Park is one of the prime things to see in Moscow. With a beautiful pond for boating and roller coaster rides, it witnesses hundreds of visitors every day. During the weekends, you may find it a bit crowded, but the beauty it has in the form of flower gardens and meadows cannot be ignored. The park has also been a significant part of several works in pop culture. Exploring its corners would be one of the best things to do in Russia with kids.
Recommended For: Families, Kids, Nature Lovers, Photographers
Location: Moscow, Russia
Average Price: No Entrance Fee
Timings: 09:00 am to 09:00 pm
Pro Tip: Ask for a map of the park so that you don’t forget directions and reach your desired spot easily.
9. Explore the Marvellous Peterhof Palace
A UNESCO World Heritage Site in Saint Petersburg, Peterhof Palace is a commendable creation of humans. From its ornate halls to wonderfully-decorated ceilings and pillars, every part of the palace deserves your attention. The palace is built over an area of about 3930 hectares and includes a series of lush green lawns, gardens, fountains and parks. Well, doesn’t that sound like a place where you could have great weekend afternoons? So, visit it and explore all of its majesty.
Recommended for: History Lovers, Explorers
Location: Saint Petersburg, Russia
Entry fee: $8.20 per person
Timings: 10:00 am to 07:00 pm
10. Climb up the Ostankino Tower
There cannot be a better way to enjoy the commanding views of the city than a visit to the Ostankino Tower. It was built in 1967 and is claimed to be the tallest free-standing tower in Europe. Recently, the government has opened two observation decks at about 85 m and 320 m respectively. The former one is open and perfect for those who desire to take a breath of fresh air as they witness the skyline of Moscow. The latter is closed and attracts those who desire to capture aerial views of the city.
Recommended For: Photographers, Families
Location: Moscow, Russia
Average Price: $8 – $14
Timings: 10:00 am to 10:00 pm
Pro Tip: The children below 7 years, pregnant women and people with walking disabilities are not allowed.
Also Read: 50 Awesome Things To Do In Moscow
