Russia: A Journey Through the World’s Largest Nation
The largest nation on Earth truly has it all—from mountains and valleys to frozen landscapes, warm sands, and an astounding variety of breathtaking natural attractions sure to impress any traveler. The architectural beauty of the Russian Empire remains evident in the country’s oldest cities, such as Moscow and St. Petersburg, as well as in their grand parks, shopping malls, and even their metro stations.
Beyond the major cities, remote locations in Siberia and the Far East offer the chance to experience the breathtaking grandeur of the tundra, the Northern Lights, volcanoes, and more skiing than you could ever imagine. Check out our list of the top locations to visit in Russia, ranging from imposing gilded palaces to colossal natural wonders.
Check out our list of the top locations to visit in Russia, which includes everything from imposing gilded palaces to colossal natural areas.
1. Moscow
Moscow As the arrival point for the majority of international flights, it is important to schedule your travel to allow at least a few days to tour the city. Russia’s capital is a spectacular blend of natural beauty, breathtaking architecture, and numerous historical artifacts.
Visitors typically begin their exploration in the city center at the Kremlin, Red Square, and the vibrant St. Basil’s Cathedral. Even for those not looking to buy expensive brands, the glass-and-steel-roofed GUM department store is a popular destination and a fantastic spot to sample authentic Russian cuisine.
If you can secure tickets, the Bolshoi Theater—one of the largest ballet and opera houses in the world—is well worth a visit. Many of Moscow’s top attractions, like the River Moskva boardwalk and the pedestrian-only Stary Arbat shopping street, are best explored on foot.
Furthermore, the Moscow Metro stations are works of art in themselves. Embellished with porcelain reliefs, crystal chandeliers, and intricate mosaics, they feel like subterranean palaces. Two must-visit stations are Kiyevskaya, decorated with white marble and exquisite paintings, and Mayakovskaya, which features ceiling mosaics and pink rhodonite columns.
2. St Petersburg
St. Petersburg Despite being smaller than Moscow, St. Petersburg has so much to offer that it is often impossible to see everything in a single day. It possesses a more European atmosphere than the capital, with superb design elements blending seamlessly with history. You can take a cruise through the 300 kilometers of canals that crisscross the imperial city or explore the architecture on foot.
For a dazzling display of white and gold, visit the Moika Palace—infamous as the site of Rasputin’s assassination—and the neoclassical 19th-century St. Isaac’s Cathedral. For art lovers, the Hermitage Museum is unmissable. As the second-largest art and culture museum in the world, it houses over three million objects, ranging from prehistoric artifacts to the private collection of Catherine the Great.
3. Peterhof
Peterhof Located about 25 kilometers outside St. Petersburg, Peterhof is famous for its stunning palace, though the town is also home to a university and a significant Russian watch manufacturer. The palace grounds, spanning nearly 4,000 hectares, were originally constructed in the early 1700s for Tsar Peter the Great in a style reminiscent of Versailles.
The grounds feature 173 garden fountains, including the Grand Cascade, which has unique sensors that activate water jets as people approach. The lower gardens, designed in the French formal style, offer marble statues, shaded walkways, and an aviary pavilion. The Grand Palace itself is a masterpiece, featuring golden accents, walls adorned with genuine Chinese silk, and a sizable
