🇷🇺Russia
The largest country on Earth, holding immense cultural heritage — though current conditions call for extra planning before any visit.
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Capital
Moscow
Best time
May–September
Language
Russian
Currency
Russian ruble
Russia spans eleven time zones and holds an extraordinary concentration of cultural heritage, from the Hermitage's collection in St. Petersburg to the Trans-Siberian Railway's seven-day crossing of the continent. Its relations with much of the West have shifted substantially in recent years, affecting flight connections, visa processes, and official travel guidance for many nationalities. Check your government's current official travel advisory and Russia's current entry requirements carefully before making any plans beyond reading this overview.
🏛️ The Hermitage, St. Petersburg
🏰 Moscow's Red Square & Kremlin
🚂 Trans-Siberian Railway
🌲 Lake Baikal
Trip essentials
Budget: Costs vary considerably by region, and current entry logistics and flight routing should be confirmed with your government's official advisory before detailed budgeting.
Visa: Visa requirements, flight connections, and official travel guidance for Russia have changed substantially in recent years and vary significantly by nationality. Check your government's current official travel advisory and Russia's current entry rules directly before making any plans — this guide cannot substitute for that.
Suggested days: 10 — 10 days would allow Moscow, St. Petersburg, and one further region at a relaxed pace under ordinary circumstances — but current travel conditions, flight routing, and visa processes should shape realistic planning far more than this estimate.
Getting there: International flight connections to Russia have changed significantly in recent years — confirm current routing options directly rather than assuming historical routes remain available
Getting around: Historically extensive by rail and domestic flight given the country's scale, though current options should be confirmed directly
Safety: Conditions and official guidance have changed substantially in recent years and vary by region — check your government's current official travel advisory before planning any visit
Tipping: 10% at restaurants is customary where service isn't included
Power plug: Type C/F, 220V
Tastes of Russia
Borscht
A beet-based soup, often served with sour cream, found across Russia and much of Eastern Europe.
Pelmeni
Small meat-filled dumplings, typically boiled and served with butter or sour cream.
Blini
Thin pancakes served with a range of sweet or savory toppings, from caviar to jam.
Beef stroganoff
Sautéed beef in a sour cream sauce, one of Russia's best-known culinary exports.
Top attractions
Suggested itinerary
Days 1–3
Moscow
Red Square, the Kremlin, and the city's metro stations, many themselves architectural landmarks.
Days 4–6
St. Petersburg
The Hermitage and the city's canals and palaces.
🚗 High-speed train from Moscow, roughly 4 hours
Days 7–10
Trans-Siberian segment or Lake Baikal
Either a shorter segment of the Trans-Siberian Railway, or a flight to Irkutsk for Lake Baikal.
FAQ
Is it currently advisable to travel to Russia?
This depends heavily on your nationality and current circumstances, and has changed substantially in recent years — check your government's official travel advisory before planning anything further.
Do I need a visa?
Requirements vary significantly by nationality and have changed in recent years — confirm current rules directly with Russian authorities or your embassy before booking anything.
Can I still fly there from Western Europe or North America directly?
Direct flight routing has changed substantially in recent years for many nationalities — confirm current options directly with airlines rather than assuming past routes are still available.
Is the Trans-Siberian Railway still operating?
The railway itself continues to operate domestically, but international booking processes, visa requirements, and segment availability for foreign travelers should be confirmed directly and currently before planning around it.