Top 30 Attractions in Russia

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How many attractions do you think are located on the territory of the largest country in the world? We think no one will name the exact number, because there are so many amazingly beautiful and unique places in Russia!

This country is rich in both natural and man-made attractions, it will surprise you with historical buildings and cultural traditions. In Russia, you can find both incredibly beautiful wooden temples and picturesque corners created by nature just for a pleasant stay.

Of course, most of the tourists begin their acquaintance with Russia from Moscow and St. Petersburg, where the tourist infrastructure is especially well developed. However, today tours are becoming more and more popular, for example, on the lakes of Karelia, on Baikal and Altai.

What to see in Russia?

The most interesting and beautiful places, photos and a brief description.

St Basil's Church

Probably the most famous Russian temple, bright and unusual, a real visiting card not only of Moscow, but of the whole country. Basil's Cathedral is remarkable not only for its location right on Red Square, but also for its history, architecture, original decoration and a collection of icons and church valuables.

St Basil

Address: St Basil, Russia, Russia

Opening hours: 10:00 - 17:00

Moscow Kremlin and Red Square

The Kremlin is not just an amazing historical building, but also a symbol of Russian power. You can talk about everything that can be seen on the expanses of Red Square and the Kremlin for a very long time, this object is still the subject of study by scientists and creates more and more new legends. Of course, visiting Russia and not visiting her heart would be a huge omission!

Moscow Kremlin and Red Square

Address: Moscow Kremlin and Red Square, Russia, Russia

Phone: +7 495 697 0330

Opening hours: 10:00 - 18:00

Lake Baikal

Every schoolchild knows that Baikal has the deepest depth on the planet. But to say that this is just the deepest lake means not to note the amazing atmosphere and beauty of this place. Be sure to appreciate the purity of the blue ice of Lake Baikal, its amazingly tasty fish and just take a break from the bustle of the city alone with nature.

Lake Baikal

Address: Lake Baikal, Russia, Russia

Opening hours: 24/7

Valley of Geysers in Kamchatka

This valley looks like it was transferred from another planet. This is the most extensive territory with geysers in the world and the only one in all of Eurasia! If you want to see one of the Seven Wonders of Russia, take a helicopter tour, which is carried out in accordance with strict rules and only under the supervision of a guide.

Valley of Geysers in Kamchatka

Address: Valley of Geysers in Kamchatka, Russia, Russia

Opening hours: 09:00 - 17:00

The architectural ensemble of Kizhi

This amazing creation is located on an island on Lake Onega and is unique in its kind. The openwork church, built, just imagine, without a single nail, exclusively with an ax, the bell tower, a beautiful fence and the unique color of the Kizhi ensemble leave no one indifferent.

The architectural ensemble of Kizhi

Address: The architectural ensemble of Kizhi, Russia, Russia

Phone: +7 (814) 265-13-11

Opening hours: 09:00 - 18:00

Kazan Kremlin

This is not just a historical object of cultural heritage, but a museum-reserve, the only center of Tatar culture and traditions on the planet. The Kazan Kremlin has been perfectly preserved, retaining its unique features and appearance. This Tatar fortress is located in the very center of Kazan, so you definitely won’t pass by.

Kazan Kremlin

Address: Kazan Kremlin, Russia, Russia

Phone: +7 (843) 567-42-01

Opening hours: 08:00 - 20:00

Nizhny Novgorod Kremlin

Built back in the 16th century, the Kremlin in Novgorod surprises with impregnable walls with narrow loopholes, blind towers stretching for several levels, and fortifications. The Cathedral of the Archangel Michael is also located here. Until now, the Kremlin remains the cultural and administrative center of the city, there are two museums and the Center for Contemporary Art.

Nizhny Novgorod Kremlin

Address: Nizhny Novgorod Kremlin, Russia, Russia

Opening hours: 10:00 - 18:00

gold ring of Russia

Of course, the ring is symbolic, uniting eight ancient Russian cities. Routes along the Golden Ring have become very popular weekend tours, during which you can see the most interesting places in Suzdal, Vladimir, Rostov the Great and so on. Monasteries, churches, original souvenirs and simply beautiful nature will make a trip around the Golden Ring memorable and interesting.

Gold ring of Russia

Address: Gold ring of Russia, Russia, Russia

Opening hours: 09:00 - 21:00

Church of the Intercession on the Nerl

A masterpiece of world architecture, an elegant building that stands on a meadow, in a place where the Nerl River joins the Klyazma. This architectural monument is surely called the most lyrical, unusual and beautiful. The temple, standing alone on the banks of the river, harmoniously blended into the surrounding nature, it seems to be an integral part of it.

Church of the Intercession on the Nerl

Address: Church of the Intercession on the Nerl, Russia, Russia

Opening hours: 10:00 - 18:00

State Tretyakov Gallery

The largest Russian museum, which has collected a lot of masterpieces by Russian masters and not only. Starting with a private collection, today the Tretyakov Gallery is known throughout the world and is a federal museum. You can wander through the halls of this gallery for hours, and many paintings deserve a separate story, they are so important for world culture.

State Tretyakov Gallery

Address: State Tretyakov Gallery, Russia, Russia

Phone: +7 (495) 957-96-10

Opening hours: 10:00 - 18:30

Hermitage

This St. Petersburg museum magnificently celebrated its 250th anniversary in 2014 and is one of the most extensive collections of artistic masterpieces on the planet. The Hermitage collection contains more than 3 million exhibits, including not only paintings, but also sculptures, numismatics, archaeological artifacts, as well as objects of applied art.

Hermitage

Address: Hermitage, Russia, Russia

Phone: +7 812 570-40-00

Opening hours: 10:30 - 18:00

Grand Theatre

One of the most important, significant opera and ballet theaters on the planet. The Bolshoi Theatre, which not so long ago "survived" a large-scale reconstruction, is located in the center of Moscow and attracts not only theater-goers, but also those who would just like to get to know its features and magnificent decoration. We warn you that it will not be easy to get tickets for the premiere at the Bolshoi Theater, and their price may unpleasantly surprise the provincials.

Grand Theatre

Address: Grand Theatre, Russia, Russia

Opening hours: 10:00 - 22:00

Peterhof

Luxurious, truly royal residence near St. Petersburg, founded by Peter the Great, is known for its parks and fountains, magnificent decoration of the Grand Palace and pavilions. The system of cascades and fountains of Peterhof is the largest in the world! Moreover, all the fountains are decorated in the same style, with numerous sculptures.

Peterhof

Address: Peterhof, Russia, Russia

Opening hours: 09:00 - 20:00

Street Old Arbat

The most famous street in Moscow, sung by poets, writers and artists. Now the Arbat is the most touristic street in the capital, closed to cars and famous for its souvenir shops, shops, street musicians and artists. It is nice to sit in a cafe here, just take a walk along the street, which has retained its historical charm.

Street Old Arbat

Address: Street Old Arbat, Russia, Russia

Opening hours: 10:00 - 22:00

Mamaev Kurgan and the sculpture "Motherland Calls"

Mamaev Kurgan during the Great Patriotic War played a very great strategic importance, became a place of bloody battles. Now there is a memorial complex here, the most noticeable part of which was the statue "Motherland Calls". The complex has become the most visited in Russia, due to its location it is clearly visible from a distance of tens of kilometers.

Mamaev Kurgan and the sculpture Motherland Calls

Address: Mamaev Kurgan and the sculpture Motherland Calls, Russia, Russia

Opening hours: 10:00 - 20:00

Cable-stayed bridges in Vladivostok

The need to build bridges that should connect different parts of Vladivostok scattered along the banks of the Golden Horn has been discussed for more than a hundred years. However, this large-scale project, which changed the face of the city, was only realized in 2012. Now Vladivostok is adorned with two of the largest cable-stayed bridges in the country, and the bridge to Russky Island with the longest span on the planet is included in the Guinness Book of Records.

Cable-stayed bridges in Vladivostok

Address: Cable-stayed bridges in Vladivostok, Russia, Russia

Opening hours: 24/7

Weathering pillars - Manpupuner

The Manpupuner Plateau is located in the northern part of the Urals and is famous for its weathering pillars - massive stone sculptures created by nature. Now it is a reserve, which can be visited only on the basis of a special permit. The height of individual pillars reaches 42 meters; this place was important in the religious beliefs of the Mansi.

Weathering pillars - Manpupuner

Address: Weathering pillars - Manpupuner, Russia, Russia

Opening hours: 00:00 - 23:59

Kungur cave

This is the pearl of the Urals - an ice cave, which is considered the most beautiful of all the gypsum caves on the planet. Today, the Kungur cave, located in the ancient city of the same name, is the only one in the country specially equipped for excursions. You can walk between the frozen "sculptures" of ice and stone, visit the restaurant at the entrance and stay right at the local hotel.

Kungur cave

Address: Kungur cave, Russia, Russia

Opening hours: 09:00 - 18:00

Volcanoes of Kamchatka

It is noteworthy that the inhabitants of Kamchatka are not afraid of their volcanoes. They are not very active, decorating the landscape with their dark silhouettes. Which of the Kamchatka volcanoes is the most beautiful? You can argue about this for a very long time! Usually called Kronotsky, Koryaksky and Klyuchevsky volcanoes, which have become real symbols of the region, as the highest.

Volcanoes of Kamchatka

Address: Volcanoes of Kamchatka, Russia, Russia

Opening hours: 24/7

Lena Pillars

This natural park is located in Yakutia, on the Lena River. Boat tours along the majestic pillars created by nature, simply striking in their size and unusual appearance, are very popular. In general, the complex consists of two separate sections, occupying a total area of ​​about 81,000 hectares.

Lena Pillars

Address: Lena Pillars, Russia, Russia

Opening hours: 08:00 - 20:00

Sayano-Shushenskaya HPP

This is already a landmark, if you can call it the largest hydroelectric power station in the country, created by man. It took a very long time to build the Sayano-Shushenskaya HPP, faced with such difficulties as cracks in the dam. In 2009, a major accident occurred at the station, and it was only possible to restore it in the fall of 2014.

Sayano-Shushenskaya HPP

Address: Sayano-Shushenskaya HPP, Russia, Russia

Opening hours: 09:00 - 17:00

Kul Sharif Mosque

According to legend, after the Russian troops took Kazan in the 16th century, the mosque was burned to the ground, and Kul Sharif himself, the warrior and prophet of Muhammad, was killed. However, the outlines of that mosque remained, which simply amazed the conquerors. As a result, Ivan the Terrible repeated them in St. Basil's Cathedral. The mosque in Kazan was newly built and opened in 2005 and has now become the decoration of the whole city.

Kul Sharif Mosque

Address: Kul Sharif Mosque, Russia, Russia

Opening hours: 08:00 - 20:00

Shikhans in Bashkiria

This is the highest rocky massif of the entire Upper Urals, three mountains that appear to be warriors protecting this region - Kush-Tau, Tra-Tau and Yurak-Tau, the three brothers of Shikhan. The fourth mountain was almost completely used in the extraction of raw materials for the plant in Sterlitamak. Shikhany in Bashkiria are known for their wonderful nature and amazing geology - they are from coral reefs, because the Ural Sea once raged here.

Shikhans in Bashkiria

Address: Shikhans in Bashkiria, Russia, Russia

Opening hours: 09:00 - 21:00

Elbrus

The highest mountain in Russia. And if we take into account the fact that there is still no clear border between Europe and Asia, then throughout the European territory. Of course, not everyone can climb its 5642 meters, but the surroundings of Elbrus still enjoy the glory of one of the most beautiful regions of Russia, with its ancient history and special atmosphere.

Elbrus

Address: Elbrus, Russia, Russia

Opening hours: 09:00 - 20:00

Trans-Siberian Railway

The Trans-Siberian is the longest railway line in the world. This highway stretches for 9298 kilometers! Almost across the country. The Trans-Siberian Railway connects the European part of Russia with Siberia and the Far Eastern regions, plays a huge role in the history and economy of the country. The construction of the Trans-Siberian began in 1891, so now the authorities intend to reconstruct the line.

Trans-Siberian Railway

Address: Trans-Siberian Railway, Russia, Russia

Opening hours: 24/7

Golden Mountains of Altai

Steppes and tundra, semi-deserts and mountains, pristine lakes and amazing caves, fast rivers and alpine meadows are united in this section of the vast expanses of Russia. In the Golden Mountains of Altai, cedar forests have been preserved, it is here that the highest mountain of Siberia - Belukha, the Altai pearl - Lake Teletskoye and a lot of other interesting things are located.

Golden Mountains of Altai

Address: Golden Mountains of Altai, Russia, Russia

Opening hours: 08:00 - 20:00

Krasnoyarsk Nature Reserve Pillars

Just a few kilometers from the outskirts of Krasnoyarsk is the Stolby nature reserve, which was founded back in 1925. The main feature of the reserve is the cliffs that rise above the taiga, surprising with their variety of shapes and colors, as well as sizes - up to 100 meters. The nature of the Stolby reserve is very beautiful and diverse, which attracts tourists.

Krasnoyarsk Nature Reserve Pillars

Address: Krasnoyarsk Nature Reserve Pillars, Russia, Russia

Opening hours: 09:00 - 18:00

Wrangel Island

One of the most inaccessible nature reserves not only in Russia, but throughout the world, is located in the Arctic and is primarily known as a favorite place for polar bears, whose females breed their cubs here. In winter, Wrangel Island is very deserted, but in summer, on a polar day, you can come to admire the untouched nature of the Arctic.

Wrangel Island

Address: Wrangel Island, Russia, Russia

Opening hours: 24/7

Cruiser Aurora

It makes no sense to describe the most famous Russian ship. Everyone who studied in a Soviet school is well aware of the song dedicated to him, and the history, and participation in the 1917 revolution. Now it is a museum cruiser, which has now left the "eternal parking" and went to the shipyards for a major overhaul. The Aurora should return to the berth of the northern capital in 2016.

Cruiser Aurora

Address: Cruiser Aurora, Russia, Russia

Opening hours: 09:00 - 20:00

Pole of Cold Oymyakon

Yakutia is the coldest of all inhabited regions of the Northern Hemisphere. It was the settlement of Oymyakon that was recognized as the coldest place - the temperature here dropped to minus 71.2 degrees! In honor of this, a memorial sign, the so-called "Pole of Cold", was erected. At the same time, already at minus 50 degrees, local residents hear the “whisper of the stars”, a noise that looks more like wind or falling grains. It actually freezes the person's breath.

Pole of Cold Oymyakon

Address: Pole of Cold Oymyakon, Russia, Russia

Opening hours: 24/7

FAQ – Answers to popular questions

When to go to Russia?

Choosing the best time to visit Russia depends on your interests and the experiences you seek. Here are some considerations:

  • Summer (June to August): Ideal for warm weather and outdoor activities.
  • Autumn (September to November): Beautiful fall foliage and fewer tourists.
  • Winter (December to February): Best for winter sports and unique winter festivals.
  • Spring (March to May): Mild temperatures and blooming nature.

What are the things to do in Russia when it rains?

When it rains in Russia, there are still plenty of enjoyable activities to consider. Here are some suggestions:

  • Visit museums and art galleries
  • Explore historical landmarks and indoor attractions
  • Enjoy traditional Russian cuisine at local restaurants
  • Take a leisurely stroll through covered markets or shopping centers
  • Experience the vibrant nightlife in bars and clubs
  • Attend theater performances or concerts

What are the things to do in Russia with family?

When visiting Russia with family, there are plenty of activities to enjoy together. Here are some top things to do:

  • Explore the historic Red Square in Moscow.
  • Visit the iconic Kremlin and its museums.
  • Take a cruise along the Neva River in St. Petersburg.
  • Discover the beauty of Lake Baikal.
  • Enjoy outdoor activities in the Golden Ring cities.
  • Experience traditional Russian cuisine at local restaurants.
  • Visit family-friendly museums, such as the Moscow Zoo.

What are the things to do in Russia in the evening?

Russia offers a variety of evening activities that reflect its rich culture, history, and vibrant nightlife. Here are some things you can do in different cities across Russia in the evening:

1. Explore Moscow: - Visit the Red Square: Enjoy the illuminated views of the iconic St. Basil's Cathedral and the GUM department store. - Theatre Performances: Attend a ballet or opera at the Bolshoi Theatre or enjoy a play in one of the city's many theaters. - Night Cruise on the Moscow River: Experience a scenic boat ride with views of the Kremlin and the city skyline. - Sky Bars: Enjoy breathtaking views of the city from rooftop bars like the O2 Lounge or the White Rabbit.

2. Discover St. Petersburg: - White Nights festivities: If visiting in summer, enjoy the incredible White Nights, which feature music festivals, art events, and midnight sun. - Hermitage Museum: Some nights may feature special evening openings; check schedules for late-night visits. - Canal Tours: Take an evening boat tour to see the city’s beautiful bridges and illuminated buildings. - Jazz and Live Music Bars: Experience the local music scene at venues like JFC Jazz Club or the Philharmonia.