Have you got your sights set on Russia, huh? Well, prepare for a whirlwind adventure in the vast and varied land of the country. From the grandeur of Moscow’s Red Square to the serene beauty of Lake Baikal, there’s no shortage of incredible experiences waiting for you in the land of the Tsars.
Imagine you’re standing in the heart of Russia, a land where every corner tells a story, where history whispers through the cobblestone streets and dances in the colourful domes of its churches. Fascinating, don’t you think? So, if you’re ready to uncover the treasures of this enigmatic land, join us as we dive into the ultimate guide of “Things To Do In Russia.” Prepare for a journey that will ignite your senses and leave you spellbound at every turn!
Top Things To Do In Russia
Below, we have mentioned the top 4 things to do in Russia:
City Tours
- Moscow Private Tours: One of the best things to do in Russia is to visit Moscow, the vibrant capital city. Take a guided tour including iconic landmarks like Red Square, the Kremlin, St. Basil’s Cathedral, and more.
- St. Petersburg City Tour: Take a tour of St. Petersburg, known for culturally rich places like the Peter and Paul Fortress, the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood, and the iconic Nevsky Prospect.
- Golden Ring Tour: Immerse yourself in the region’s rich history and traditional architecture of the country in the ancient towns of the Golden Ring, including the famous Suzdal, Vladimir, and Sergiev Posad.
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- Trans-Siberian Railway Tour: If you want to get a unique perspective on the nation’s diversity, the Trans-Siberian Railway tour is among the amazing things to do in Russia. It travels across vast landscapes, stopping at key cities like Yekaterinburg, Irkutsk (for Lake Baikal), and Vladivostok.
Experience The Finest Gourmet
- Traditional Russian Cuisine: If you are planning to visit Russia, do not forget to try traditional cuisines like Borscht, Shchi, Solyanka, Ukha and more. Mair Vanna, Cafe Pushkin, etc., are among the top restaurants that you can visit for rich traditional Russian cuisine.
- Fine Dining: White Rabbit and Cococo are among the top-rated restaurants known for their innovative Russian cuisine. They focus on modern Russian cuisine using local and seasonal ingredients, with creative presentations and flavours. Having a meal at these restaurants is one of the top things to do in Russia, and it can give you the finest gourmet experience.
- Caucasian Cuisine: If you’re in Russia and eager to savour exquisite Caucasian cuisine, visit Mesto Vstrechi. It offers a blend of Caucasian dishes, including shashlik (grilled skewered meat), dolma (stuffed grape leaves) and more.
- Seafood: Visiting Russia without tasting its seafood is like missing the heart of the experience. Russia’s vast and diverse geography, with its extensive coastline along the Arctic and Pacific Oceans, offers a rich variety of seafood. Visiting restaurants like Beluga, Tanuki and more are the best things to do in Russia to experience the delight of rich seafood.
Outdoor Activities
- Hiking and Trekking: Hiking is one of the most exciting things to do in Russia. It allows you to explore the stunning landscapes of the Caucasus Mountains, Altai Mountains, etc. You can try the popular hiking routes such as Elbrus region or Altai Nature Reserve, for a memorable experience.
- Water Rafting: For more adventurous people, there are world-class ski resorts like Sochi (Krasnaya Polyana), Rosa Khutor, etc. These resorts offer a variety of slopes based on your skill level and breathtaking mountain views.
- Camping and Wilderness Exploration: Make unforgettable camping trips in Russia’s vast wilderness areas, such as the Siberian taiga, Kamchatka’s volcanic landscapes, and the Arctic tundra. These will give you a chance to explore remote areas, spot wildlife, and immerse yourself in nature.
- Northern Lights Viewing: One of the most amazing things to do in Russia is view the Northern Lights. During the winter months, head to Murmansk, the Kola Peninsula, or the Arctic regions to witness the mesmerising Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis).
Shopping
- Arbat Street: If you love shopping, visit Arbat Street. Shopping here is one of the best things to do in Russia. It is known for its vibrant atmosphere and diverse shopping options. Arbat Street offers many traditional Russian souvenirs, such as matryoshka dolls, lacquer boxes, and Soviet memorabilia.
- GUM Department Store: Situated on Red Square, GUM is a historic shopping mall offering luxury brands, designer boutiques, and Russian retailers. It’s a great place to shop for fashion, accessories, gourmet foods, and high-quality souvenirs.
- Nevsky Prospect: Apart from Arbat Street, visiting St. Petersburg shops and department stores is an incredible thing to do in Russia. You can find amber jewellery, Fabergé-style eggs, Russian porcelain, chocolates, and sweets here. It’s a convenient location for souvenir shopping in the city.
- Russian Vodka and Alcohol: You can also purchase bottles of Russian vodka, flavoured vodkas, and traditional spirits like Samogon or Medovukha as unique gifts or souvenirs. These are known exotic tastes and time-honoured techniques.
Unforgettable Things to Experience in Russia
In our guide on things to do in Russia, we’ve highlighted all the exciting activities and adventures that promise a memorable journey. We hope you enjoyed this blog. For more updates and similar content, follow TourToReview.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any recommended tours or guided experiences?
- From Moscow: Sergiev Posad (for the Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius), Vladimir and Suzdal (for historic churches and monasteries), or the Golden Ring towns.
- From St. Petersburg: Pushkin (for Catherine Palace and the Amber Room), Peterhof (for the palace and gardens), or Kronstadt (for naval history).
What are the best things to explore in Russia?
- Attending a performance at the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow or Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg.
- Exploring the history and culture of the Russian Orthodox Church through visits to cathedrals and monasteries.
- Visiting museums such as the State Hermitage Museum, the State Tretyakov Gallery, and the Museum of Russian Art.
How can I best experience Russian arts and entertainment, such as ballet or classical music performances?
- Attend a ballet performance at the Moscow Bolshoi Theatre or the St. Petersburg Mariinsky Theatre.
- Enjoy classical music concerts at venues like the Moscow Conservatory or the St. Petersburg Philharmonia.
How can I explore the Russian countryside or rural areas?
- Take a guided tour to rural villages or dachas (country houses) outside of major cities.
- Explore national parks such as Lake Baikal, the Caucasus Mountains, or the Golden Ring countryside.
What are the top things to do in St. Petersburg?
- The State Hermitage Museum
- Peter and Paul Fortress
- Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood
- Nevsky Prospect for shopping and dining
- St. Isaac’s Cathedral
- The Peterhof Palace and Gardens