Things to Do in Russia

Moscow

4.8 (167,499)

PlazaTourist AttractionPoint of InterestEstablishment

Experience an epic blend of history and vibrant culture in one sprawling historic space. Walk among centuries of stories, colorful architecture, and lively events all in one spot.

Quick facts: This iconic square measures approximately 330 meters long and 70 meters wide, hosting events from markets to military parades. It holds the graves of Soviet leaders near the Kremlin walls, blending history with politics under the open sky.

Highlights: Twin red brick towers crowned with ruby stars mark the square’s boundaries, glowing vividly at night and creating a fairy tale atmosphere. The vibrant domes of St. Basil's Cathedral, with their intricate patterns, stand like flames frozen in stone, a spectacle captivating visitors' eyes from every corner.

2. The Kremlin

Moscow

4.8 (54,410)

Historical PlaceMonumentTourist AttractionHistory MuseumMuseum

Discover where history and power collide. Experience majestic architecture, dazzling art, and royal secrets up close.

Quick facts: The complex houses four palaces, four cathedrals, and the enclosing Kremlin Wall with its towers. It served as the seat of power for Russian tsars and now is the official residence of the President of Russia.

Highlights: Visitors can witness the ancient Tsar Bell, the largest bell ever cast, weighing a staggering 200 tons but never rung due to a huge crack. Stunning golden onion domes and vibrant frescoes inside the cathedrals create a breathtaking, almost otherworldly atmosphere.

3. Saint Basil's Cathedral

Moscow

4.8 (11,098)

Tourist AttractionMuseumChurchPlace of WorshipAssociation Or Organization

An explosion of color and culture that defies architecture norms. Walk through vivid domes and discover centuries of Russian stories brought to life.

Quick facts: Each onion dome bursts with a kaleidoscope of swirling colors and patterns, making it instantly recognizable worldwide. Despite looks, the cathedral is actually a cluster of nine chapels built around a central core, not one single building.

Highlights: The vibrant, flickering domes appear as though they've been plucked from a 16th-century fairy tale, each dome uniquely decorated. Inside, painted murals and intricate details reveal secrets of Russian history and Orthodox traditions few visitors expect.

Browse FREE walking tours

Our #1 travel tip

Have you heard of free walking tours?

After traveling to 30+ countries, there's one thing I wish someone had told me from day one, and it completely changed how I experience new cities.

Free walking tours. Yes, actually free. No credit card needed. No catch.

Local guide, 2-3 hours

Major sights, hidden gems, local stories

100% tip-based

Guides earn only tips, so they give their absolute best

You tip what feels right

At the end, just tip whatever you feel is right

I've done these in dozens of cities and they've been the highlight of almost every trip. If you're visiting Russia, do this on your first day. You'll thank me later.

Adrijana, founder of City Buddy

4. Hermitage Museum

Saint Petersburg

4.8 (58,758)

Art MuseumHistorical LandmarkTourist AttractionMuseumHistorical Place

Step into a world of royal opulence and unmatched art treasures. Experience masterpieces and historic grandeur in one breathtaking setting.

Quick facts: An astonishing collection spans over 3 million items, showcasing art from nearly every corner of the world. Famous for its vast display of Rembrandt, Da Vinci, and Michelangelo masterpieces, the museum dazzles any art lover.

Highlights: Its Winter Palace halls still echo with royal grandeur, filled with ornate gold trimmings and jewel-like colors. Walking through an enormous display of Egyptian antiquities reveals forgotten stories etched in every artifact.

5. Winter Palace

Saint Petersburg

4.8 (54,026)

MuseumTourist AttractionPoint of InterestEstablishment

Experience the grandeur where tsars once roamed. Explore dazzling art, majestic halls, and the mystical Amber Room's golden glow.

Quick facts: A grand symbol of imperial power, this place once served as the official residence of Russian tsars and witnessed key events in Russian history. Its walls conceal over 1,500 rooms filled with stunning art and intricate designs.

Highlights: Walking through the vast rooms, visitors encounter the Amber Room, famed for its shimmering walls of amber panels that once dazzled European royalty and evoke a golden glow. Despite being lost during World War II, a painstaking restoration has revived its ethereal splendor, creating a unique sensory experience.

6. Peterhof Palace

Saint Petersburg

4.8 (80,005)

MuseumTourist AttractionParkPoint of InterestEstablishment

Explore a palace where fountains dance and gold gleams under the sun. Experience vast gardens and incredible gravity-powered water shows close-up.

Quick facts: Experience a grand display of over 150 fountains powered purely by gravity without any pumps. Marvel at sprawling gardens stretched over 100 hectares, once cherished as the 'Russian Versailles.'

Highlights: Watch the Grand Cascade, a shimmering fountain ensemble with 64 golden statues, gushes water perfectly timed with classical music performances. Stroll through the Lower Park to find hidden grottoes and waterfalls creating a magical fairy-tale vibe.

7. Lake Baikal

Irkutsk

4.8 (5,722)

LakeNatural FeatureEstablishment

Dive into pristine waters holding 20% of Earth's freshwater. Explore mesmerizing ice and ancient underwater forests unique to the world’s deepest lake.

Quick facts: The lake holds about 20% of the world's unfrozen freshwater, making it the largest freshwater lake by volume globally. It's also the world's deepest lake, plunging more than 1,600 meters at its deepest point.

Highlights: Crystal-clear waters reveal ancient submerged trees and unique endemic species like the Baikal seal, the only freshwater seal on the planet. During winter, the lake's surface freezes into a thick glassy sheet that produces strange acoustic sounds and stunning ice formations.

8. Trans-Siberian Railway

Various

4.9 (38)

Point of InterestEstablishment

Epic railway journey across eight time zones. Experience breathtaking landscapes and cultural crossroads from the comfort of your train seat.

Quick facts: The railway stretches over 9,289 kilometers, making it the longest continuous service railway in the world. It connects Moscow with the Russian Far East and the Sea of Japan, crossing eight time zones.

Highlights: Passengers can witness a dramatic shift in landscapes, from dense Siberian forests to the shores of Lake Baikal, the world's deepest freshwater lake. The journey offers a peek into the diverse cultures and traditions of the 87 cities and towns along the route.

9. Bolshoi Theatre

Moscow

4.8 (22,790)

Performing Arts TheaterTourist AttractionEvent VenueMuseumHistorical Landmark

A vibrant hub for ballet and opera lovers. Experience award-winning shows in a stunning, historically rich setting.

Quick facts: Over 2500 performances take place every year, spanning ballet, opera, and drama. Its famous iconic stage curtain features a depiction of Apollo riding his chariot, capturing the spirit of artistic brilliance.

Highlights: The chandelier inside weighs an impressive 11 tons and is adorned with 288 lamps, creating a dazzling spectacle. Every seat offers a perfect view of the stage, thanks to expert acoustic design ensuring crystal clear sound even in the upper balconies.

10. Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood

Saint Petersburg

4.8 (36,826)

ChurchTourist AttractionPlace of WorshipAssociation Or OrganizationPoint of Interest

Experience a kaleidoscope of colors and sacred art unlike anywhere else. Walk through an intricate mosaic wonderland steeped in dramatic history.

Quick facts: Crazy colorful onion domes make this spot pop out amidst the city skyline. The interior hosts over 7,500 square meters of intricate mosaics, more than any other church in the world.

Highlights: A splash of over 100,000 tiny mosaic tiles cover the entire inner walls, creating an endless kaleidoscope of religious art. The church sits right on the exact spot where Emperor Alexander II was fatally wounded, making every corner steeped in history and emotion.