Russia travel guide
Things to do in Russia include walking Red Square and the Kremlin, riding the Moscow Metro, visiting the Hermitage, strolling Saint Petersburg's canals, and seeing Peterhof's fountains. Longer trips add Golden Ring towns, Kazan's Kremlin, Sochi's coast and northern-lights trips from Murmansk. Plan at least one full day for each major city.
Facts checked 3 Nov 2026
A Russia trip is built around history, architecture and culture. Most of the best-known activities sit in Moscow and Saint Petersburg, where museums, palaces and historic streets are close together. Outside the two cities, the activities change with the region, from monastery towns near Moscow to the Black Sea coast and Arctic excursions. This guide groups the activities by travel style, so you can choose the ones that fit your days and interests.
Start with the Kremlin and Red Square, the historic centre of Moscow. Visit the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour nearby, then browse GUM, the historic arcade on Red Square. Walk the area slowly, because the distances between sights add up. Allow time for the Kremlin complex beyond the main viewpoint, and check the entry requirements for each attraction before you travel. For a longer stay, add the Arbat, the older street with cafes and street life, for an evening walk.
The Moscow Metro is part of the sightseeing, because its stations are noted for their architecture. Ride a few lines through the central stations, and use the Metro between districts instead of taxis, since the city is large. Plan the ride as a short tour, rather than a route to a single destination, and keep the rest of the day flexible.
Museums are a major attraction in both cities. In Moscow, pick one major museum rather than several, so your day does not become a rush. In Saint Petersburg, the Hermitage Museum is large, so give it a full morning and choose the galleries you most want to see. Book popular entry slots in advance during summer, when visits are busier. Check opening days, as they vary.
Saint Petersburg is the former imperial capital, known for its canals, palaces and historic avenues. Walk along the canal districts, and take an evening stroll on Nevsky Prospekt, the city's historic avenue. Palace Square sits beside the Hermitage and works well as an afternoon stop. Wear comfortable shoes, because the streets and pavements can be uneven.
Peterhof is an imperial palace-and-garden complex near Saint Petersburg, known for its fountains and formal grounds. It is a day trip, and planning about one day with travel is realistic. The main fountain display is seasonal, so check the operating dates before you go. Catherine Palace is another palace option near Saint Petersburg, and it can be included in a longer plan.
The Golden Ring is a group of historic towns near Moscow. Sergiev Posad has monasteries, Vladimir preserves important medieval churches, and Suzdal is a compact town with monasteries and wooden architecture. The towns suit travellers who like historic architecture and quieter streets. Connections between smaller towns are less frequent, so a planned transfer is the easiest way to see them.
Kazan is a city where Tatar and Russian culture meet, and its Kremlin is UNESCO-listed. Allow time to explore the Kremlin complex in depth, and try Tatar cuisine in the city centre. Kazan is a good choice for travellers who want a different perspective on the country, and it needs domestic travel, so it suits longer trips.
Sochi offers a milder Black Sea setting, with coastal promenades, parks and access to mountain areas. Walk the coastal promenades, visit the parks and consider a day trip to the Krasnaya Polyana mountains, especially outside the main summer season. Sochi suits travellers who want a relaxed coastal stay after the cities.
Murmansk is a base for Arctic experiences and seasonal northern-lights excursions. Sightings depend on the weather, so schedule more than one evening if possible. Dress for very cold conditions, and check the excursion details with your planner before you book.
Lake Baikal offers distinctive Siberian landscapes, shoreline villages and seasonal ice or outdoor activities. Access and road conditions differ by season, so the time of year matters. Lake Baikal needs domestic travel, so it suits experienced travellers on longer trips.
Common Russian dishes include soups, dumplings, grilled meats, potatoes, breads and salads. Vegetarian and Indian restaurants are available mainly in Moscow and Saint Petersburg. Confirm ingredients with each restaurant, because dietary suitability varies. In Kazan, try Tatar cuisine as part of the city's culture.
Our Moscow St Petersburg 6N package covers Red Square, the Kremlin area, GUM, the Metro, the Hermitage, Palace Square and Peterhof in one seven-day plan.
This guide is compiled from published tourism, weather and transport information. It was last checked on 2 November 2026. Opening hours, entry rules and seasonal schedules can change, so confirm them with the official source or your planner before you travel.
Ready-made trips
Moscow 3N · Saint Petersburg 3N
*Approximate price per person, excl. GST. Contact us for exact pricing.
Packages cover stays, transfers, sightseeing and meals as listed. Flights are not included. Prices are per person, excl. GST.
FAQs
Short answers to what travellers ask about Russia.
Walk Red Square and the Kremlin area, visit the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, browse GUM, ride the Metro and visit one major museum. Walk the Arbat in the evening. Plan about three days so the sights do not feel rushed.
Yes. The Metro is noted for its architecture, so a ride through the central stations is part of the sightseeing. It is also the easiest way to travel between districts, because the city is large and the distances are long.
The Hermitage Museum, Palace Square, the canal districts and Nevsky Prospekt are the core sights. Give the Hermitage a full morning, and book popular entry slots in advance during summer.
Yes. It is a palace-and-garden complex near Saint Petersburg, known for its fountains. Plan about one day including travel, and check the seasonal fountain operating dates before you go.
Yes, for travellers who have time. Kazan's Kremlin is UNESCO-listed, and the city blends Tatar and Russian culture. It needs domestic travel from Moscow, so it suits longer trips.
Murmansk is a base for seasonal northern-lights excursions. Sightings depend on the weather, so plan more than one evening. The trip needs domestic travel and suits longer itineraries.
Vegetarian and Indian restaurants are available mainly in Moscow and Saint Petersburg. Common dishes include soups, dumplings, potatoes, breads and salads. Confirm ingredients with each restaurant before you order.
It can be, when the itinerary uses central accommodation, planned transfers and rest periods. Winter ice and uneven pavements need extra care, so choose a plan with shorter walking days and time to rest.
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