Russia Travel Guide — Best Cities, Food & Tips

Good to know

Best time to visit

Late spring to early autumn (May–September) is best for cities and Trans-Siberian travel; winter (December–March) suits northern lights and winter festivals but requires heavy-duty cold-weather preparation.

Currency

Russian ruble (RUB); carry some cash for markets and smaller vendors, major cards are accepted in cities.

Language

Russian is the official language; English is commonly spoken in hotels and tourist sites in major cities but less so elsewhere.

Getting around

Long distances are best covered by domestic flights or the Trans-Siberian/Trans-Mongolian trains; within cities, Moscow and St. Petersburg have extensive metro systems, and taxis/ride-hailing apps like Yandex Go are widely used.

Culture & etiquette

Be formal on first meetings—use surnames and patronymics if introduced, remove shoes when invited into a Russian home, and expect more reserved public behavior than in some Western countries.

Country highlights

Moscow: Red Square and the Kremlin

Visit St. Basil's Cathedral, Lenin's Mausoleum, and the Armoury for tsarist treasures and Russian state history.

St. Petersburg: Hermitage and canals

Explore the Hermitage Museum, Peterhof palaces, and stroll the Neva River embankments and historic canals.

Trans-Siberian Railway

Take all or part of the legendary rail route from Moscow to Vladivostok or via the Trans-Mongolian line to Ulaanbaatar.

Lake Baikal

Experience the world's deepest freshwater lake, hiking in summer or ice-walking and dog-sledding in winter.

Kazan and the Volga region

Discover Tatar culture, the Kazan Kremlin, and a unique blend of Orthodox and Islamic heritage.

Sochi and the Black Sea coast

Enjoy seaside resorts, nearby Caucasus mountain hikes, and winter sports facilities from the 2014 Olympics.

What to eat

Borscht

Beetroot soup often served hot with sour cream and dill, common throughout Russia.

Pelmeni

Dumplings usually filled with minced meat and served with butter or sour cream.

Blini

Thin pancakes enjoyed with caviar, smoked salmon, jam, or sour cream.

Shchi

Traditional cabbage soup, sometimes made with sauerkraut for a tangy flavor.

Olivier salad

A hearty potato and mayonnaise salad commonly found at celebrations and cafés.

Insider tips

Carry your passport or a photocopy at all times—official ID may be requested.
Download and set up Yandex Go or Gett for safer, metered taxis in cities.
Check visa requirements well in advance; many nationalities need a visa to enter Russia.
Learn a few Cyrillic letters and basic Russian phrases to ease travel outside tourist hubs.
Be mindful of cash-only stalls and small shops—ATMs are common in cities but scarce in rural areas.

Cities in Russia

Moscow🇷🇺 Russia

Historic grandeur, vibrant modern pulse

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Saint Petersburg🇷🇺 Russia

Imperial grandeur on the Neva River

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Kazan🇷🇺 Russia

Where East Meets West in Russia

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Good to know — FAQ

Do I need a visa to visit Russia?

Most visitors require a visa; check the Russian consulate website for current rules and prepare an invitation or confirmed hotel bookings as required.

Is Russia safe for tourists?

Major tourist areas are generally safe, but standard precautions apply—beware pickpockets in crowded places and avoid political demonstrations.

Can I use credit cards everywhere?

Cards are widely accepted in cities and larger establishments, but bring cash for markets, rural areas, and small vendors.

What power plugs does Russia use?

Russia uses type C and F plugs with 220V/50Hz; bring an adapter and check voltage compatibility for electronics.

Good to know

Country highlights

What to eat

Insider tips

Cities in Russia

Good to know — FAQ

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