The fascinating places to visit in Russia let you learn about the past and present of this stunning Soviet country as you take an unforgettable tour through them. From intriguing museums, impressive squares, and swanky shopping destinations to breathtaking national parks, alluring towns, and majestic cathedrals, there are a myriad of classic landmarks in Russia that will leave you astounded and offer you the best leisure and educational tour through the country.
The magnificent shrines like St. Basil’s Cathedral and NoVo Spassky Monastery in Moscow, and Saint Isaac’s Cathedral in St. Petersburg will offer you the best of architecture and spirituality, while the beautiful protected areas like the National park Curonian Spit across Baltic Sea, the Russian Arctic National Park and the Kenozersky National Park in Arkhangelsk Oblast, will let you encounter the unique biodiversity of the country. Heritage places in Russia like Tretyakov Gallery in Moscow, The House-Museum of Maxim Gorky in Nizhny Novgorod Oblast, and the Nizhegorodsky State Art Museum in Nizhni Novgorod will tell you a lot about the history and culture of Russia.
1. Lake Baikal
Although Lake Baikal is considered one of the clearest lakes in the world. In summer, Lake Baikal is a famous destination for kayaking, boat cruises, and island hopping to discover shorelines and beaches. In winter, when the lake freezes over, visitors can cross-country ski across sections of it and visit the frozen Tazheran Steppes caves.
2. Moscow
The shopping mall GUM, with its glass and steel roof, is also a popular destination–even for tourists who can’t afford the luxury brands sold here and a great place to try authentic Russian food.
Even if museums are not exactly your thing, Moscow has some amazing options worth visiting, including The State Tretyakov Gallery (which houses only Russian art); the Pushkin Museum (for more international collections); and the Kremlin Armory Museum for a look into some unique items, such as the ivory throne of Ivan the Terrible and gold-covered imperial carriages.
3. St. Petersburg
This city is a collage of fine art, beautiful designs, and enigmatic history that offer photogenic attractions and pleasant views. Its preserved and most elaborate constructions from the extravagant Tsarist era allow you to tap into the heart of the vibrant beauty of this city. No shadow of the doubt that elements of this compelling city make it one of the most beautiful Russia tourist places.
You can enjoy and feel history by exploring classical sculptures, royal gardens, and impressive cathedrals. On top of that, from exploring the city by walking to discovering the beauty through boat tours on rivers and canals, this city offers different angles to see its beauty.
4. Vladivostok
Located on the shores of the Pacific Ocean, This city is surrounded by Mountains and bay that offer an exciting blend of Asian, European, and Russian culture to its visitors. Iconic bridges, stunning scenery, islands, beautiful beaches, and oceanfront lifestyle are part of this appealing city.
The Risky Bridge has a unique place in the list of attractions in Vladivostok with the title of world longest cable-stayed bridge in the world. Apart from that, it is a city that is adorned with multifaceted attractions such as theatre and museums. excellent opera, funky modern art, delicious food, and fascinating history.
5. Kazan
It is an eclectic city of Russia and is a cosmopolitan destination where art, religions, sports, and science come together. The athletics events of Kazan make it the sports capital of Russia. And its rich historical background, diverse religion, and museum for art, science, and history attract visitors throughout the years. You can stroll in its pedestrian-friendly Bauman Street that is graced with restaurants, bookshops, bars, and boutiques. Museums, Cathedral, and Mosques of Kazan are masterfully designed that are irresistible to stare at.
6. Nizhny Novgorod
It is one of the oldest cities in Russia that offers stunning landscapes, historic attractions, and an opportunity to immerse yourself in outdoor fun. From enjoying the bird’s eye view by riding on the cable car to enjoying a relaxing time with your family, the choices of the array are available for every kind of tourist. Minin, Pozharsky Square, Chkalov Stairs, and Nizhny Novgorod Kremlin Complex are some of the best tourist attractions in this city. Also, Sormovskiy Park is a notable hotspot where you can enjoy outdoor entertainment like Ice skating, a funfair, and a picnic with your kids.
7. Altai
The Altay Mountains in Siberia extend from Russia into China, Kazakhstan, and Mongolia. Traditionally inhabited by different ethnic groups involved in horse husbandry and forestry, it is also a very popular tourist destination for both locals and travelers. There’s a lot of untouched beauty in Altay, where frozen rivers and snowcapped mountains attract cross-country skiers and other outdoor lovers in winter, as well as hikers (the area around Aktru Glacier is especially popular for trekking), kayakers, and climbers in summer. More unusual activities, including diving, cave exploring, and herb and mushroom picking, can also be pursued here.
8. Sochi
A summer beach resort town sitting right on the Black Sea, Sochi offers long stretches of pebble and sand beaches, imposing examples of Stalinist architecture, a summer film festival known as Kinotavr, and plenty of spas and outdoor markets to please all budgets and tastes. The longest river in Russia, Mzymta, cuts through Sochi before it empties into the Black Sea, and it’s a very popular destination for rafting.
9. Volgograd
Located in the heart of Russia, this destination is blessed with must-visit attractions, lovely parks, and an opportunity for adventure. From strolling with your partner at Komsomol Par to enjoying dramatic plays, concerts, and comedy shows at the Volgograd Musical Theater, you can enjoy your trip in amazing ways.
Volga–Don canal, Mamai Hill, and the Volgograd State Panoramic Museum are some of its charming attractions. The buildings, attractions, and your every turn in Volgograd will make your Russia trip more special.
10. Veliky Novgorod
The city is known for the variety and age of its medieval monuments. The foremost among these is the St. Sophia Cathedral, built between 1045 and 1050 under the patronage of Vladimir Yaroslavich, the son of Yaroslav the Wise; Vladimir and his mother, Anna Porphyrogenita, are buried in the cathedral.
Apart from spending some time on old structures, you can also give yourself a break with some adventures like cycling around the river and Kremlin Walls. You can also enjoy the boat riding while gazing at the scenic beauty all around is something.
11. Tundra
The tundra is a unique biome that only exists in or near the Arctic Circle. Here, temperatures are so cold that trees can’t grow, and only moss, shrubs, and certain types of grasses can get through the winter. The Russian tundra is home to polar bears, seals, gray wolves, and rich birdlife during nesting season. Over the past few decades, ecotourism has become more and more interested in the tundra areas, especially the Great Arctic State Nature Reserve near Krasnoyarsk Krai, where visitors can take a number of environmental routes to explore, try bird-watching, or visit as part of an educational tour.
12. Peterhof
Peterhof might be home to a university and a major Russian watch manufacturer, but this relatively small city’s call to fame is the Peterhof Palace.
There are 173 garden fountains around the palace–some, like the Grand Cascade fountains, with special features that activate water jets when people get close. The lower gardens, designed in French formal style, offer marble statues, shaded walking paths, and even an aviary pavilion.
13. Yekaterinburg
It is an industrial city and the fourth largest city in this country. Yekaterinburg has umpteen things to offer to its visitors and has a vibrant culture that attracts tourists from different corners of the world. It is a land where you will find many libraries, theaters and playwrights, and dance companies. This city has a special treat for curious minds who want to know the glorious past. Yekaterinburg is home to 30 museums that include the oldest wood sculptures in the world at Shigir Collection.
14. Nizhegorodskaya Yarmarka
Nizhegorodskaya Yarmarka is a 19th-century exhibition hall & 6 new halls, hosting trade fairs & conventions. The exhibition hall hosts conventions and trade fairs that attract a heavy influx of visitors. Nizhegorodskaya Yarmarka also features excellent conference rooms that can be taken on rent for hosting corporate events, seminars, business meetings, weddings, and company anniversaries.
15. Nizhegorodsky State Art Museum
This polished Kremlin museum features an extensive collection of Russian & Western European artwork. The museum exhibits brilliant paintings and artworks that date back to the period between the 14th and the 20th centuries and are crafted by legendary artists, including Vasily Surikov and Nikolai Rerikh. The whole collection has been displayed chronologically with the 14th and 17th century icons exhibited first, followed by stunning oil paintings on canvas.
16. The Rukavishnikov Estate Museum
Rukavishnikov Mansion in Nizhny Novgorod is the pride of the city and one of its most striking attractions. This former estate of a millionaire merchant family is reminiscent of a palace and continues to astonish visitors while providing glimpses into the 19th-century Russian aristocracy. The museum houses extensive collections of coins and stamps and a room dedicated entirely to Lenin.
17. The Sakharov Museum
The Sakharov Museum offers its visitors a sneak peek into the life of the Nobel Peace Prize-winning human rights campaigner and physicist of Russia, Sakharov. The museum also offers an insight into the Soviet regime in Russia, the dissent, and the aftermath.
The exhibits here are majorly photographic with extensive descriptions. The Sakharov Museum is also home to a reading room and a library.
18. Friends Cocktail Bar
The most fascinating sight at this bar is the bearded bartenders mixing exotic ingredients to craft the strongest and best cocktails in Siberia.
The exuberant atmosphere and the convivial crowd at this bar, make it one of the best night out destinations in the country.
19. Novosibirsk Zoo
The Novosibirsk Zoo named after Rostislav Alexandrovich Shilo is a scientific institution as well as a popular tourist attraction. The zoo has around 11,000 animals representing 738 species and is an active participant in thirty-two different captive breeding programmers for endangered species.
20. The Beatles Monument
The Beatles Monument in central Russia is one of the most offbeat places to visit in Russia. This monument has been famous in the USSR’s underground music scene and represents their unique cultural impact.
You can marvel at the stunning murals and wall sculptures at The Beatles Monument as you stroll through the place. This place will give you an insight of the craze that the Russian youth had for the Beatles band in the times gone by.
