Best Places to Visit in Russia for First-Time Travelers

 

Russia is a country of extremes, extensive, heterogeneous and never-ending. Spanning two continents and eleven time zones, it provides its tourists with a palette of experiences: imperial cities, ancient fortresses, pristine wilderness, and bustling modern centers.

The sheer size of the country can become overwhelming to those who are traveling there on their first trip. That is why we selected this guide to show the best places to visit in Russia, with iconic attractions and destinations that will make the Russia trip for first timers rewarding and easy.

Moscow: The Heart of Russia

Red Square: The symbolic center of Russia where the bright domes of St. Basil Cathedral and the towering Kremlin can be found. This is the intersection point of history, politics and culture.

The Kremlin: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, which provides museums and cathedrals as well as the official residence of the Russian president.

Bolshoi Theatre: This is excellent when the first time travelers wish to experience the Russian ancient performing arts culture.

Moscow is a grand city and its every corner appears to resonate with centuries of history. In addition to the well-known sites, one may visit the Tretyakov Gallery, where one can find Russian art, enjoy a walk in the Gorky Park where they will find a sample of local leisure, or take a ride in the Moscow Metro which is a museum of mosaics, chandeliers and soviet design. It is the perfect place to visit in case one is visiting Russia for the first time.

St. Petersburg: The Cultural Capital

• The State Hermitage Museum: It is one of the richest and most ancient museums in the world which exhibits works of da Vinci, Rembrandt and Picasso.
• Peterhof Palace: The so-called Russian Versailles, also featuring magnificent gardens and fountains.
• Nevsky Prospekt: The largest street of the city which is surrounded by shops, cafes, and ancient structures.

St. Petersburg is a city of art and beauty that gives the tourists a thorough exploration of the Russian artistic spirit. Its canals and bridges are European, its White Nights in summer when the sun sets scarcely at all, make an airy fairy-tale. Don’t miss the Mariinsky Theatre for ballet and opera, or a boat ride along the Neva River to see the city’s pastel-colored palaces from the water.

Kazan: Where East Meets West

• Kazan Kremlin: It is a rare mixture of the Orthodox and Islamic architecture, it houses the Qol Sharif Mosque.
• Bauman Street: A shopping, cafe, and local street.
• Volga River Cruises: It is a calming experience as one tours the city in a new light.

Kazan presents first time visitors with the multicultural Russian identity. It is called the Third Capital of Russia and it is a place where the Tatar and Russian cultures are present in unity. Tourists will be able to taste the traditional Tatar cuisine, visit colorful markets, and feel the hospitality of the city between Europe and Asia.

Lake Baikal: Nature’s Masterpiece

• Deepest Lake in the World: Lake Baikal referred to as the Pearl of Siberia contains 20% of the entire unfrozen fresh water in the world.
• Olkhon Island: A spiritual and scenic center, the best place to hike and explore.
• Winter Adventures: Ice skating, dog sledding and icy landscapes that are truly out of this world.

Lake Baikal is one of the most memorable Russia tourist attractions to nature lovers. During summer, its crystal clear waters beckon one to swim as well as paddle using a kayak and in winter, the frozen lake is a toyland of ice caves and sparkling blue cracks. The local villages provide homestays which the travelers get to experience Siberian hospitality and culture.

Sochi: Russia’s Riviera

• Black Sea Beaches: Hotspots during the summer.
• Caucasus Mountains: Caucasus mountains are ideal in terms of hiking and skiing.
• Olympic Park: The heritage of the 2014 Winter Olympics providing modernist attractions.

Sochi is an all-purpose place because it integrates beach vacation with mountain touring. It has a Mediterranean atmosphere courtesy of palm-lined boulevards, subtropical gardens and vibrant resorts. During winter, there are ski-resorts nearby Krasnaya Polyana which are exciting for adventurers, and in summer the beaches are active.

Yekaterinburg: Gateway to the Urals

• Romanov Memorials: Monuments of the last royal family of Russia.
• Dynamic Arts Culture: Galleries, theatres and music-houses.
• Ural Mountains: This is a natural landmark that separates Europe and Asia, and can be used in outdoor adventures.

Yekaterinburg is an ancient and contemporary city. It is the place where the Romanov dynasty had its tragic end, and nowadays it is flourishing as the place of innovations and culture. They may visit modern art galleries, listen to live music or go on a hiking and geological tour in the Ural Mountains.

Novgorod: Russia’s Oldest City

• Novgorod Kremlin: It is one of the ancient fortresses in Russia and was built in the 11th century.
• St. Sophia Cathedral: A magnificent show of middle ages architecture.
• Volkhov River: It is a relaxing place to visit taking a scenic boat ride.

Novgorod is a historical necessity. It was one of the most important cities in the development of Russia because it is one of the oldest. Its museums and churches hold centuries of history and its quiet streets and views of its rivers give an escape to the noise of bigger cities.

Vladivostok: Russia’s Pacific Gem

• Golden Horn Bay: A beautiful harbor that reminds one of San Francisco.
• Russky Bridge: This is considered to be one of the longest cable-stayed structures in the world.
• Neptune Expressions Seafood: Fresh Pacific delights to the daring palates.

Vladivostok is the way of linking Russia with the Pacific which presents the newcomers with a special view. It is a fascinating destination with its hilly streets, seawater and naval history. Tourists can watch fresh seafood at the beach, visit military museums or enjoy beautiful views at Eagle nest hill.

Practical Tips for First-Time Travelers

Visa Requirement: Visa is required by majority of the travelers; plan beforehand so as to avoid time wastage.

Language: Russian is popular, however, it is not hard to learn some phrases.

Transport: The Trans-Siberian Railway is a bucket-list place, linking Moscow with Vladivostok.

Seasonal Travel: In the summer season, it has festivals and outdoor activities whereas in winter seasons it has magical snowy scenes.

Why Russia is Perfect for First-Time Travelers

The diversity of Russia guarantees that no kind of traveler can fail to enjoy something in this country. The country is a place of limitless possibilities of discovery, whether it is a cultural attraction such as the Hermitage, a natural attraction such as Lake Baikal, or a multicultural city such as Kazan. Its historical, artistic, spiritual, and adventure mix makes it a place that pays off the curiosity and leaves one with awe.

Conclusion

A first time visit to Russia is like a historical, cultural and natural experience. The journey becomes an experience worth remembering as the traveler gets to add another dimension to his or her perception of Russia which is created by each destination.

When you are willing to explore your adventure, arrange your travel to Russia as a first-time visitor with the help of an expert. Explore in-depth tours and secret knowledge with MICEcafe Journey, the partner who will help you experience unforgettable traveling.