Must-See Tourist Attractions in Russia

Published on October 5, 2025 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Russia evokes grand landscapes, a rich history, and incredibly diverse culture, offering travelers a multitude of fascinating sites to explore.

From majestic Moscow with its Kremlin and Red Square to the mystical beauty of St. Petersburg, not forgetting the vast icy expanses of Siberia and the ancient traditions of the Golden Ring, each destination holds unique mysteries and treasures.

Embark on an unforgettable journey through these iconic places that make Russia both enigmatic and captivating, inviting you to discover its authentic spirit and incomparable heritage.

Russia’s Must-See Wonders

Major Historical and Architectural Sites

Red Square and Kremlin in Moscow

Located in the heart of Moscow, Red Square is the symbolic and historical center of Russia. It has been the stage for the country’s greatest events, from tsar coronations to Soviet parades. It is bordered by iconic monuments like the Kremlin, Lenin’s Mausoleum, GUM Department Store, and the State Historical Museum.

The Kremlin, a medieval fortress, now serves as the seat of Russian political power and houses lavish palaces, cathedrals, and museums, including the Armory Palace, famous for its imperial treasures.

Practical Tip: Guided tours provide access to sections usually closed to the public and offer deeper insights into the site’s complex history.

St. Basil’s Cathedral

At the southern end of Red Square, St. Basil’s Cathedral is famous for its colorful domes and unique silhouette. Built in the 16th century by order of Ivan the Terrible, it embodies traditional Russian architecture and commemorates the victory over the Kazan Khanate.

Practical Tip: Visit the interior to admire the frescoes and labyrinthine arrangement of chapels.

Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg

The Hermitage is one of the world’s largest and oldest art museums, occupying the former Winter Palace of the tsars. Its collection includes over 3 million works, featuring masterpieces by Leonardo da Vinci, Rembrandt, Picasso, and ancient art treasures.

Practical Tip: Allow at least a full day to explore the main galleries; thematic tours are available to focus on specific art movements or periods.

Major Historical Sites Overview

Site	City	Features	Travel Tips
Red Square	Moscow	Historical, political, and social center	Visit early morning to avoid crowds
Kremlin	Moscow	Fortress, palaces, cathedrals	Book skip-the-line tickets
St. Basil’s Cathedral	Moscow	Colorful domes, unique architecture	Explore interior and chapels
Hermitage Museum	St. Petersburg	World-famous art collection	Opt for guided tours

Natural Wonders

Lake Baikal

The world’s oldest and deepest lake, Baikal in Siberia fascinates with its exceptionally clear waters and unique biodiversity (including the Baikal seal). It is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Practical Tip: Summer offers cruises and hiking, while winter reveals spectacular ice landscapes.

Siberian Taiga

This immense boreal forest stretches as far as the eye can see and is home to rare wildlife (brown bears, lynx, moose). It symbolizes Russia’s wilderness and offers ideal terrain for ecotourism and adventure.

Ural Mountains

Natural border between Europe and Asia, the Ural Mountains offer varied landscapes, hiking opportunities, and remarkable geological sites. They are also rich in legends and natural resources.

Golden Ring

Description

The Golden Ring groups several historical cities northeast of Moscow (Suzdal, Vladimir, Sergiev Posad, Rostov Veliky, etc.), witnesses to medieval Russia. These towns are famous for their monasteries, onion-domed churches, and provincial kremlins, offering an exceptional panorama of the country’s art and history.

Practical Tip

The Golden Ring can be visited through organized tours or by rental car. Each city has local museums and regularly hosts folk festivals.

Lesser-Known but Fascinating Places

Kamchatka Peninsula

Located in the Far East, the Kamchatka Peninsula is a paradise for lovers of pristine nature and adventure. It is famous for its active volcanoes, natural hot springs, and wildlife (bears, eagles, salmon).

Practical Tip: Accessible mainly by plane from Moscow or Vladivostok, Kamchatka is best visited with specialized guides, especially for volcanic treks.

Natural Wonders Overview

Site/Region	Location	Main Interest	Travel Tips
Lake Baikal	Siberia	Biodiversity, depth, landscapes	Cruises, hiking, ice diving
Siberian Taiga	Siberia	Wilderness, rare wildlife	Ecotourism stays, animal watching
Ural Mountains	Europe/Asia	Hiking, geology, diversity	Trekking circuits, traditional villages
Golden Ring	Around Moscow	Medieval history, Orthodox heritage	Cultural circuits, local festivals
Kamchatka	Far East	Volcanoes, hot springs, adventure	Guided excursions, outdoor activities

General Tips for Travelers to Russia

• Prepare your documents (visa required for most travelers).
• Prefer local guides to access protected or hard-to-reach areas.
• Respect visiting rules in places of worship and natural sites.
• Discover local cuisine in each region (pelmeni in Siberia, Baikal fish, Golden Ring honey).
• Check climate and travel conditions according to the season (harsh winters, short but intense summers in the north and east).

Traveling in Style: How to Access Russia’s Treasures

The most efficient and comfortable means of transportation to travel across Russia are varied, adapted to the country’s vast territory and diverse landscapes:

• Luxury trains (Trans-Siberian, Grand Express, Golden Eagle):
  The Trans-Siberian is iconic for crossing Russia in exceptional conditions, with comfortable carriages, onboard dining, and panoramic views of the taiga, Lake Baikal, and steppes. These trains offer different classes, including private cabins and premium services.
• Regional and express trains:
  To connect Moscow, St. Petersburg, Kazan, or Yekaterinburg, fast trains (Sapsan, Lastochka) offer comfort and efficiency.
• Metro and urban transport:
  In major cities, the metro is fast, reliable, and very affordable, with stations famous for their architecture. Buses, trams, and trolleybuses complete the network and allow access to all neighborhoods.
• Buses, marshrutkas, and taxis:
  Marshrutkas (shared minibuses) and buses traverse the entire country, including less accessible regions. Taxis, accessible via mobile apps, are practical for specific trips, but it’s advisable to negotiate the price in advance or use an app for a fixed rate.

Transportation	Comfort	Speed	Geographic Reach	Main Advantages
Trans-Siberian & luxury	High	Medium	Cross-country	Spectacular landscapes, comfort
Express trains	Good	High	Major cities	Speed, punctuality
Metro	Good	High	Urban centers	Price, frequency, architecture
Bus & marshrutka	Variable	Medium	Cities & countryside	Flexibility, low prices
Taxi	Good	Fast	Urban areas	Convenient, negotiate or use app

Best Times to Visit Russia

• Spring (May-June):
  Temperatures are mild, nature in full bloom, ideal for admiring parks and landscapes of the Volga or Baikal.
• Summer (July-August):
  Perfect season for long days and northern light, especially to enjoy the “White Nights” in St. Petersburg and explore the Trans-Siberian under clear skies.
• Early autumn (September):
  Forests display vibrant colors, tourist crowds decrease, and temperatures remain pleasant.

Winter offers the magic of snow and Orthodox holidays, but conditions are harsher and travel sometimes slower, except in well-equipped major cities.

Local Tourist Guide Services

• French and English-speaking guides
  Available in all major cities and on main circuits, they offer thematic tours (history, art, gastronomy) or customized excursions.
• Private or small group tours
  Possibility to book specialized guides for the Trans-Siberian or combined circuits including Moscow, Golden Ring, Kazan, and St. Petersburg.
• Added value
  Local guides provide cultural, historical, and contemporary context, facilitate interactions with locals, and allow access to lesser-known sites.

Recommended Accommodations for Comfort and Proximity

• Historic and charming hotels
  In central Moscow or St. Petersburg, many hotels located in former palaces or Art Nouveau buildings offer luxury, history, and quick access to museums and monuments.
• Boutique hotels and guesthouses
  Preferred for their friendly atmosphere and location steps away from iconic sites.
• Apartments and serviced residences
  Ideal solution for longer stays or families, with great autonomy and often located near main points of interest.

City	Recommended Accommodation	Main Assets
Moscow	Metropol, Ararat Park Hyatt, boutique hotels	Luxury, history, Kremlin view
St. Petersburg	Astoria, Angleterre, charming hotels	Proximity to Nevsky Prospect
Kazan	Courtyard, design hotels	Kremlin district, pedestrian access
Baikal Region	Lodges, comfortable inns	Lake view, nature, warm welcome

Traveling in Russia means combining the comfort of modern transport, the richness of cultural guidance, and quality accommodation for total immersion into the heart of Russian treasures.

Stay in Russia: Tips for Ideal Accommodation

Tips for ideal accommodation during a stay in Russia

Different types of available accommodations:

• Hotels: Available in all ranges, from international chains (Hilton, Radisson, Accor) to local 3 to 5-star establishments. Local hotels may have specific features (historic buildings without elevators or air conditioning).
• Tourist apartments/Apart-hotels: Ideal for long stays or groups/families; offers more autonomy and often good value for money.
• Youth hostels (hostels): Perfect for small budgets and solo travelers; friendly atmosphere, usually well located in the center.
• Homestays/couchsurfing: Less common in Moscow but possible; allows cultural immersion and direct exchanges with locals. Comfort may be basic and sometimes requires going through an agency.

Recommended neighborhoods in Moscow and St. Petersburg:

City	Popular Neighborhoods	Main Advantages
Moscow	Kremlin, Arbat, Basmanny	Proximity to iconic monuments, vibrant life, easy transport access
St. Petersburg	Historic center (Nevsky Prospekt), Admiralteysky	Steps away from major museums (Hermitage), theaters, and canals

Essential points when booking:

• Budget: Choose according to desired range; compare on multiple platforms like Booking.com or Zenhotels to find the best price.
• Comfort level: Check if the hotel has elevator/air conditioning especially in older buildings. Read recent reviews from other travelers carefully.
• Available amenities:
  • Wi-Fi
  • Breakfast included
  • 24-hour reception
  • Luggage storage

Practical recommendations for easy booking:

Always use a reliable platform:

• Booking.com — wide international choice
• Zenhotels — Russian platform often cheaper

Useful mobile apps:

• Yandex.Travel — local booking with multilingual interface
• Airbnb — private apartment rentals
• Hostelworld — youth hostels

Cultural & linguistic considerations specific to Russia:

Knowledge of Russian is very useful outside tourist areas; some addresses have only Russian-speaking staff. Consider using Google Translate or Yandex.Translate offline app.

Note: Registration with local authorities is mandatory within 7 business days of arrival; usually handled by the hotel but always verify.

Additional tips:

Always check the exact location on a map before booking to avoid poorly served or remote neighborhoods relative to planned activities.

Avoid traveling during major tourist peaks, especially June in St. Petersburg (“White Nights”), when prices skyrocket quickly.

Choosing your accommodation wisely greatly contributes to the success of your trip to Russia.