Russia

RUSSIA

Russia, a colossal nation spanning Eastern Europe and Northern Asia, boasts a rich and complex history shaped by imperial rule, revolution, and a vast, diverse geography from Siberian tundras to Black Sea coasts. This has forged a resilient culture, iconic arts, and magnificent architecture.

Region: Eastern Europe and Northern Asia

Capital: Moscow

Official Language: Russian. While Russian is the official language, many indigenous languages are also spoken across its diverse republics and regions.

Level of Travel Safety: Avoid all travel to Russia due to impacts of armed conflict with Ukraine, risk of terrorism, and limited consular assistance. Exercise extreme vigilance if you must travel.

A map of Europe with Russia highlighted.

Why Visit Russia?

Iconic Architecture: Marvel at the vibrant domes of St. Basil’s Cathedral in Moscow and the opulent palaces of St. Petersburg.

Rich History: Explore the legacies of tsars, revolutions, and the Soviet era in majestic fortresses and museums.

World-Class Arts: Experience the Bolshoi Ballet, Mariinsky Theatre, and renowned art collections like the Hermitage Museum.

A nighttime view of a cluster of modern, illuminated skyscrapers reflecting lights.

Vast Landscapes: From the pristine depths of Lake Baikal in Siberia to the volcanic Kamchatka Peninsula in the Far East.

Unique Culture: Discover a deep appreciation for literature, music, and hospitality, alongside fascinating traditions.

Trans-Siberian Railway: Embark on an epic journey across continents, witnessing Russia’s immense scale and diverse regions.

A colorful and ornate fairytale-like building complex with multiple towers and intricate details.

Essential Trip Information

Russia requires visas for most nationalities, including the US, Canada, UK, and Australia.

E-visas are available for short stays (up to 16 days) for select nationalities and regions.

Visa must be obtained before arrival; no visas on arrival.

Apply via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation: https://visa.kdmid.ru

Passport must be valid for 6 months beyond your stay.

You must register with local authorities within 7 working days of arrival (usually done by hotels).

Russia uses the Russian Ruble (₽).

Best Ways to Handle Currency

  • Before Your Trip: Exchange a small amount to cover transport.

  • During Your Trip: Use ATMs at major banks (e.g., Sberbank, VTB). Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard) widely accepted in major cities.

  • What to Avoid: Exchanging money at unregulated kiosks; always count bills and get a receipt.

The official language is Russian. English is limited outside major cities.

Helpful Phrases & Pronunciation:

  • Hello – Здравствуйте (ZDRAH-stvooy-tyeh)

  • Thank you – Спасибо (spa-SEE-ba)

  • Excuse me / Sorry – Извините (eez-vee-NEE-tyeh)

  • Do you speak English? – Вы говорите по-английски? (vy gah-va-REE-tyeh pa ang-LEES-kee?)

  • Where is…? – Где находится…? (gdye nah-HO-deet-sya…)

Russia is generally safe for tourists in cities like Moscow and St. Petersburg, but exercise caution:

Watch for pickpockets on the Metro and in crowded tourist spots.

Avoid political demonstrations.

LGBTQ+ travelers should note Russia has restrictive laws regarding public expression.

Emergency number: 112

No special vaccinations required.

Travel insurance is strongly recommended; private care is better than public.

Pharmacies (аптека) are common in cities. Bring essential prescriptions.

Tap water is not always potable—bottled water is widely available.

Metro: Fast, ornate, and cheap (especially in Moscow/St. Petersburg).

Trains: Excellent for intercity travel—book in advance for the Sapsan or Trans-Siberian.

Taxis/Ride-Sharing: Yandex Go is reliable. Avoid flagging taxis on the street.

Long-distance Buses: Available but less comfortable than trains.

Walking: Safe and enjoyable in central districts.

Russia is generally affordable to moderate, but costs vary greatly by city.

Accommodation

  • Budget: Hostels/guesthouses (US$15–40/night)

  • Mid-range: 3-star hotels (US$50–100/night)

  • Luxury: 4–5 stars in Moscow/St. Petersburg (US$150–400+/night)

Food

  • Quick eats: Cafeterias (stolovayas), bakeries (US$5–10)

  • Casual dining: US$15–30/person

  • Fine dining: US$50+/person

Drinks

  • Beer: US$2–4 (bars), US$1–2 (supermarkets)

  • Vodka shots: US$2–5

  • Cocktails: US$8–15

Transportation

  • Metro: US$0.50–1 per ride

  • Trains (Moscow–St. Petersburg): US$30–150 (depending on speed/class)

  • Taxis: US$4–15 for short rides

Money-Saving Tips

  • Take the overnight train instead of flying domestically.

  • Eat at local stolovayas or Teremok for hearty, cheap meals.

  • Visit museums on free entry days (first Thursday/month in many cities).

Explore Russia

Russia’s dynamic capital mixes Soviet power, Tsarist grandeur, and modern energy. Don’t miss the Kremlin, Red Square, and the Bolshoi Theatre.

Built by Peter the Great on the Baltic, this imperial city dazzles with the Hermitage Museum, Winter Palace, and romantic canals.

A chain of historic towns northeast of Moscow (e.g., Suzdal, Vladimir) featuring onion-domed churches and wooden villages.

Capital of Tatarstan on the Volga River. A fusion of Islamic and Orthodox architecture, famous for the Kazan Kremlin.

The world’s deepest freshwater lake, nestled in Siberia. In summer, hike and swim; in winter, skate and snowmobile across the ice.

Ancient cities in the Golden Ring, known for white-stone cathedrals and timeless rural landscapes. A living museum of old Russia.

Europe’s highest peak, located in the Caucasus Mountains. A popular destination for climbers and skiers.

Russia’s resort city on the Black Sea, with beaches, spas, and winter sports venues from the 2014 Olympics.

On the border of Europe and Asia in the Ural Mountains. Known for its Romanov history and vibrant arts scene.

A Pacific port city near China and Korea, and the final stop on the Trans-Siberian Railway. Naval heritage, seafood, and hilltop views.

Smart Travel

Key Advantages:

  • Lowest Prices

  • Fewer Crowds

  • Authentic Local Vibe

  • Winter Sports (excluding peak)

  • Cozy Atmosphere

Main Drawbacks:

  • Cold Temperatures

  • Shorter Days

  • Limited Outdoor Activities (non-ski)

  • Some closures

Key Regions:

  • Moscow: Discover world-class museums, Orthodox churches, and vibrant café culture under magical snow.

  • St. Petersburg: Enjoy an atmospheric cityscape with frozen canals and fewer tourists at top attractions.

  • Golden Ring: Explore quaint historical towns like Suzdal and Vladimir with a true winter wonderland feel.

  • Siberia (Lake Baikal): Witness the frozen beauty of the world’s deepest lake, ideal for adventurous winter travel.

Key Advantages:

  • Ideal Weather

  • Manageable Crowds

  • Reasonable Prices

  • Festivals & Events

  • Blooming Landscapes (Spring) & Autumn Colors (Autumn)

Main Drawbacks:

  • Unpredictable Weather (Spring/Autumn)

  • Some regional variation in temperatures

  • Popular events can still draw crowds

Key Regions:

  • Moscow & St. Petersburg: Perfect time for museum visits, architecture walks, and canal tours in mild temperatures (45–65ºF / 7–18ºC).

  • Sochi & Black Sea Coast: Pleasant weather for seaside walks and exploring nearby mountains before or after summer crowds.

  • Kazan & Volga Region: Enjoy cultural richness and spring/autumn beauty without extreme heat or cold.

  • Altai Mountains: Hike or photograph this remote natural paradise during peak foliage or wildflower season.

  • Kaliningrad & Western Russia: A great time to explore Europe-meets-Russia heritage with fewer tourists and changing landscapes.

  • Mid-Summer (June–August)

  • Christmas and New Year Holiday Period

  • Peak Ski Season (February–March)

Planning Your Trip

Politics: Avoid political discussions, especially about current leadership or international affairs. Locals may be wary of these topics.

Tipping: Common and appreciated—10–15% in restaurants, small change for café service, US$1–2 per bag for hotel porters.

Dress Code: Russians tend to dress smartly in cities—avoid looking overly casual in nicer restaurants or theaters.

Museum Behavior: Keep quiet in churches, museums, and memorials. Photography may be restricted—always check signs.

Public Decorum: Respect queues, speak quietly on public transport, and avoid smiling at strangers—it may be seen as odd.

Accommodation:

  • Hostels: US$15–40/night
  • Mid-range hotels: US$70–150/night
  • Luxury hotels: US$250+

Food:

  • Street food/cafeterias: US$5–10
  • Mid-range restaurants: US$15–30
  • Upscale dining: US$60–100+

Transport:

  • Metro fare: ~US$0.70/ride (Moscow/St. Petersburg)
  • Intercity trains: US$25–100+ depending on route/class
  • Taxis: US$3–10 for short city rides

Activities:

  • Museums: US$5–15
  • Ballet at the Bolshoi or Mariinsky: US$50–150+
  • Guided tours: US$20–60

Daily Budget:

  • Budget: US$50–80 (hostels, metros, casual meals)
  • Mid-range: US$120–200 (central hotel, sit-down meals, entrance fees)
  • Luxury: US$300+ (high-end stays, private guides, fine dining)

Free Wi-Fi: Widely available in cafes, museums, airports, and most metro stations in big cities.

SIM Cards: Purchase at airports or mobile stores (Megafon, Beeline, MTS). US$5–10 for SIM + US$10–15 for 10–15GB data plans.

eSIMs: Supported by providers like Airalo and MTX Connect.

Recommended for: Coverage of medical care, lost luggage, and delays (especially in winter).

Healthcare: In big cities, private clinics offer good care—but emergencies can be expensive without insurance.

Adventure Activities: If trekking in the Caucasus or Lake Baikal region, ensure your plan covers remote area evacuations.

From gilded palaces to Soviet-era apartments, Russia offers a range of stays:

Luxury:

  • Historic hotels: Four Seasons Moscow, Belmond Grand Hotel Europe (St. Petersburg)
  • Countryside retreats: Rodina Grand Hotel (Sochi)

Mid-range:

  • Boutique: Pushka Inn Hotel (St. Petersburg), Hotel Savoy (Moscow)
  • Chain hotels: Azimut, Park Inn by Radisson in most cities

Budget:

  • Hostels: US$10–30/night (e.g., Netizen, Vagabond Hostel)
  • Guesthouses: Found in Golden Ring towns like Suzdal or Kostroma

Unique Stays:

  • Train Car Hostels on the Trans-Siberian route
  • Dachas (country houses) near lakes or forests

Tip: Book early for summer and major holidays (e.g., May holidays, New Year).

Russia is vast, but the infrastructure is surprisingly efficient in major areas.

Trains:

  • Sapsan: High-speed trains linking Moscow and St. Petersburg in ~4 hours. Comfortable and punctual.

  • Trans-Siberian Railway: Legendary route crossing the country from Moscow to Vladivostok (7+ days).

  • Regional trains: Connect cities like Kazan, Nizhny Novgorod, Yekaterinburg. Book through RZD (Russian Railways).

Buses:

  • Intercity buses: Reliable and cheap—good for Golden Ring towns and shorter regional hops.

  • Marshrutkas: Minibuses operating fixed routes in cities and rural areas. Cash only, no English signage.

Flights:

  • Domestic flights are essential for long distances—Aeroflot, S7, Ural Airlines.

  • Ideal for traveling from Moscow to Siberia, the Caucasus, or the Far East.

Car Rental:

  • Useful for road-tripping the Caucasus, Altai, or Karelia.

  • Roads can be rough outside cities. International license required, and driving is assertive.

Public Transport in Cities:

  • Moscow/St. Petersburg Metros: Efficient, affordable, and beautifully designed. Buy a Troika card (Moscow) or Podorozhnik (St. Petersburg).

  • Taxis/Yandex Go: Cheap and easy to hail via app—preferable over street taxis.

  • Note: Cities are walkable, but signage is rarely in English—Google Maps and translation apps are helpful.

Handy Tips

Russia uses the Russian Ruble (₽). Common banknotes: ₽50, ₽100, ₽500, ₽1000, ₽2000, ₽5000. Coins (kopeks): ₽1, ₽2, ₽5, ₽10.

Exchanging Currency: Avoid airport kiosks. Use major banks or ATM machines for better rates. Currency exchange booths (обмен валют) are common but compare rates.

Using Cards: Credit/debit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are widely accepted in cities, but Amex is limited. Carry cash for small shops, rural areas, and local markets.

Tipping Etiquette: Not always expected, but increasingly common in urban areas.

  • Restaurants/Bars: 10–15% if not included.

  • Taxis/Rideshares: Round up or add 5–10%.

  • Hotel Staff: US$1–2 per bag; US$3–5/day for housekeeping.

  • Tour Guides: US$5–10 per person for group tours.

Russian is the official language. English is limited outside major cities—learn a few phrases or use a translation app. Locals appreciate any effort to speak Russian.

Helpful Phrases & Pronunciations:

  • “Where is the nearest metro station?”
    — Gdye nahoditsya blizhayshaya metró?
    — Где находится ближайшая метро?

  • “How much is this?”
    — Skól’ko eto stóit?
    — Сколько это стоит?

  • “Can I get a receipt?”
    — Mozhno chek, pozhalúysta?
    — Можно чек, пожалуйста?

  • “Do you speak English?”
    — Vy govoríte po-anglíyski?
    — Вы говорите по-английски?

  • “Thank you” — Spasíbo (Спасибо)

  • “Hello” — Zdrástvuyte (Здравствуйте)

  • “Yes / No” — Da / Nyet (Да / Нет)

Pro Tip: Russians tend to be reserved. Don’t expect small talk with strangers—focus on polite directness and personal space.

Russia is generally safe for tourists in main cities, but be cautious:

  • Watch for pickpockets in Moscow/St. Petersburg metros and tourist areas.

  • Avoid political demonstrations.

  • Rural roads may lack lighting; avoid night driving.

Emergency Contacts:

  • 112: General emergency line (English option may be available).

  • Your embassy: Save contact details and keep photocopies of your passport.

Russia uses 220V/50Hz with Type C/F plugs (two round pins). Bring a universal adapter. Most modern electronics don’t require voltage conversion.

Tap water is generally not safe to drink in most regions—boil it or use bottled water. Most hotels provide complimentary bottled water. Brush teeth with bottled water as a precaution in rural areas.

Government offices, schools, and many businesses close on:

  • 1 Jan: New Year’s Day

  • 7 Jan: Orthodox Christmas

  • 23 Feb: Defender of the Fatherland Day

  • 8 Mar: International Women’s Day

  • 1 May: Spring and Labor Day

  • 9 May: Victory Day (massive military parades in Moscow)

  • 12 Jun: Russia Day

  • 4 Nov: National Unity Day

Note: During New Year holidays (1–8 Jan), expect limited public services and full tourist sites.

Shops and malls: 10:00–22:00 daily (including Sundays).

Pharmacies (Aptekas): 09:00–21:00. Some open 24/7 in cities.

Grocery stores: Many open daily until 23:00 or later (e.g., Perekrestok, Magnit).

Borscht: Beet soup served hot or cold, often with sour cream.

Pelmeni: Dumplings filled with meat, served with butter or vinegar.

Blini: Thin pancakes topped with jam, sour cream, or caviar.

Beef Stroganoff: Creamy beef dish with mushrooms and onions.

Shashlik: Russian-style skewered meat, grilled over coals.

Olivier Salad: Russian potato salad with mayo, pickles, peas, and ham.

Kasha: Buckwheat porridge, served sweet or savory.

Herring under a Fur Coat: Layered salad with herring, beetroot, and mayo.

Pirozhki: Baked/fried buns with savory or sweet fillings.

Kvass Bread Soup (Okroshka): Cold soup made with kvass, herbs, and vegetables.

Alcoholic:

  • Vodka: Russia’s national drink—best enjoyed neat and chilled.

  • Medovukha: Low-alcohol mead made from honey—mild and sweet.

  • Russian Sparkling Wine: Try “Abrau-Durso” from Krasnodar region.

  • Samogon: Home-distilled spirit—strong and not for the faint-hearted.

  • Cognac: Armenian and Georgian varieties are popular.

  • Baltika Beer: Iconic Russian brand with varieties from light to dark (try #6 and #7).

  • Zhigulevskoye: Classic Soviet-style lager—light and easy-drinking.

Non-Alcoholic:

  • Kvass: Fermented bread drink with a tangy, malty flavor.
  • Mors: Berry juice made from cranberries or lingonberries—refreshing.
  • Chai (Tea): Essential to Russian hospitality—strong black tea served with lemon or jam.
  • Ryazhenka: Baked fermented milk—creamy and mildly sour.
  • Borjomi Water: Imported Georgian mineral water—salty and fizzy.

The Kremlin: Russia’s political and historic heart in Moscow.

Red Square: Site of St. Basil’s Cathedral and Lenin’s Mausoleum.

Hermitage Museum: Enormous art collection inside St. Petersburg’s Winter Palace.

Catherine Palace: Baroque marvel in Tsarskoye Selo, near St. Petersburg.

Trans-Siberian Railway: World’s longest railway, spanning 7 time zones.

Soviet Architecture: Explore Stalinist skyscrapers like Moscow’s “Seven Sisters.”

Bolshoi Theatre: Historic ballet and opera venue—book in advance.

Orthodox Churches: Golden domes and iconography—visit Novodevichy Convent.

Victory Park (Moscow): WWII monuments and military museum.

Suzdal and Golden Ring: Preserved medieval towns with monasteries and kremlins.

Moscow Metro Tour: Art-deco stations are mini-palaces underground.

Nevsky Prospekt (St. Petersburg): Bustling avenue with shops, cafés, and street performers.

Izmailovo Market (Moscow): Souvenirs, Soviet memorabilia, fur hats, and matryoshkas.

Boat Tour on the Neva River (St. Petersburg): Stunning views of palaces and bridges.

Banya (Russian Sauna): Experience a steam bath with birch-branch massages and ice plunges.

Night at the Opera: Mariinsky or Bolshoi for a grand cultural night.

Ice Skating (Winter): Red Square, Gorky Park, or New Holland Island rinks.

Dacha Day Trips: Russians escape to their country homes for grilling and nature.

Tsarist Palaces: Peterhof and Catherine Palace rival Versailles in grandeur.

Swan Lake Ballet: Timeless performance seen best in its homeland.

Bar-hopping in Patriarch Ponds (Moscow): Trendy bars, boho cafés, and upscale restaurants.

Live Jazz at Igor Butman Club: Moscow’s top venue for classy music lovers.

Bridge Openings (St. Petersburg, summer): Watch river bridges lift at night—romantic and iconic.

Underground Clubs (St. Petersburg): Mosaique or Stackenschneider for techno fans.

Craft Beer Bars: Try Jawsspot or Varka in Moscow for IPA and stouts.

Rooftop Views: White Rabbit (Moscow) offers 360º city views and fine dining.

Sochi Nightlife: Beachfront bars, casual lounges, and pool parties in summer.

Vodka Museum Tasting Room: Quirky experience with hundreds of vodka varieties.

Siberian Folk Shows: Traditional music and dancing in Novosibirsk or Irkutsk.

Kazan’s Bauman Street: Colorful lanterns, hookah lounges, and late-night strolls.