Russia

Population - 142,355,415 (July 2016 est.)

Capital - Moscow

Official language - Russian

Currency - Ruble

International phone code - +7

Time zone - UTC/GMT +3

Main airports - Sheremetyevo International Airport (Moscow) | Domodedovo International Airport (Moscow) | Vnukovo International Airport (Moscow) | Pulkovo International Airport (St Petersburg)

Where to stay in Russia

If you're looking for a hotel in Russia, Booking.com constantly offers the cheapest rates and has the largest selection of accommodation. The platform offers competitive prices and in many cases allows cancellations free of charge.

Travel insurance in Russia

Before travelling to Russia, it is extremely important to check the safety conditions. This is essential for better planning the adventure. And, during the journey, to keep up to date in the event of any minor or serious situation during your stay.

My advice is that, even before you book your flight to your destination of choice, you should check this website and see if there are any problems. What's more, you'll find detailed maps showing which places and regions are not recommended or where it's dangerous to travel. If you're spending €500 or €1,000 on your holidays, are you going to risk losing all that to avoid investing €30 or €40 in travel insurance?

I recommend travel insurance at IATI or Heymondo 5% discount with this link. Do you already have travel insurance for your holiday in Russia?

When to visit Russia

As the largest country in the world, Russia has a climate with temperatures that drop as you travel from south to north and west to east.

Winters are very cold (-20°C or less), especially in Moscow, with snowfall. Autumn allows you to admire the changing colours and winter, although very cold, has snow to make the regions enchanting. And if the cold persists, you can always have a glass of vodka to warm you up.

In summer, the days and nights are hot, with frequent heatwaves in August. Spring is excellent for attending Orthodox Easter rituals and processions, and autumn is great for taking part in festivals.

The best time to visit Russia is spring, summer and autumn, i.e. from May to the end of September.

Running out of time in Russia?

Book in advance to avoid unforeseen problems, the best tours, activities and transfers with GetYourGuide. Don't forget to check out the passes and monument tickets, which offer easy access to various attractions. often at a discount.

Flight to Russia

Skyscanner is a platform for finding cheap flights quickly and easily. With a simple interface and price comparisons from various companies, this is an essential tool for planning your trip.

Renting a car in Russia

A DiscoverCars is a car hire comparison and booking platform that lets you find the best deals in 8,000 destinations. With a simple interface and transparent pricing options, it's a great choice for anyone looking to hire a car.

Money in Russia

I use Wise and Revolut cards to avoid bank fees and commissions. Wise and Revolut are great for travelling, as they both offer prepaid travel cards that allow you to make purchases and withdrawals in different currencies, without fees and without complications. I always travel with both.

Internet and Wifi in Russia

The most affordable method of accessing the internet is to use this eSIM (with 15% discount). Discover the world without worrying about roaming and access high-speed internet in over 190 countries.

Luggage in Russia

Store your luggage safely and cheaply to explore Russia without the burden of bags. This storage service allows you to keep your belongings in shops, hotels, and other partners. Reservations can be made online in just a few seconds, and the service is available 24 hours.

What to see in Russia

Russia is a huge country, full of history, culture and breathtaking landscapes. In Moscow, the capital, you can't miss the famous Red Square. Then there's St Petersburg, known for its magnificent bridges, canals and museums, such as the Hermitage - one of the largest and oldest art museums in the world. Irkutsk, in Siberia, is the starting point for exploring Lake Baikal, the deepest and oldest lake in the world, surrounded by mountains and forests.

If you're going to be in Russia, then take the opportunity to find the best experiences, activities and tours. From gastronomic experiences to buying tickets or unique adventures on land and sea, this is a great way to discover this destination.

Moscow

St Basil's Cathedral, Moscow, Russia
The colourful St Basil's Cathedral on Moscow's Red Square is one of Russia's hallmarks.

As the capital of Russia, Moscow is the most important city in Russia, not only because of its size, population (12 million inhabitants), political reasons, but also because of its culture and imposing buildings.

Moscow is also known for its ballet, symphonies and art. Historic churches, controversial statues, the Kremlin building and Red Square fill the skyline and are unmissable sights. Even a trip on the Moscow metro is like walking through a museum.

Irkutsk

Irkutsk, Siberia, Russia
In Irkutsk, in the heart of Siberia in Russia, many buildings still retain their traditional construction features.

Irkutsk is considered the capital of Eastern Siberia and the most popular stop on the train journey known as the Trans-Siberian Railway. With Lake Baikal just 45 km away, the city is the best base for exploring the western shore of this enormous lake.

In Irkutsk, you can explore the old town and find wooden houses alongside Soviet blocks, as well as several churches and the geology museum.

St Petersburg

Hermitage Museum, St Petersburg
With around three million collections, the Hermitage Museum in St Petersburg, Russia, is one of the best museums in the world.

Russia's second largest city was founded in 1703 by Tsar Peter the Great. St Petersburg, which was renamed Leningrad in 1924, was the imperial capital of Russia. Due to its position on the River Neva, the city is a popular destination.

Known as the cultural capital of Russia, St Petersburg has one of the best art collections in the world, several ballet schools and churches that contribute to the city's magnificent cultural offer.

Trans-Siberian

Carriages of the Trans-Siberian railway in Russia
From Moscow to Beijing, via Mongolia, one of the Trans-Siberian routes crosses several time zones and covers 8986 kilometres.

Part of the longest railway system in the world, the classic Trans-Siberian train journey connects Moscow to Vladivostok, near the border of Russia with China and North Korea. The railway project was started in 1891 by Czar Alexander III and completed by his son, Czar Nicholas II, in 1916.

Many travelers, however, use the line in various directions. For example, starting from Saint Petersburg to Vladivostok, or the most popular route, between Moscow and Beijing with a stop in Mongolia. The Trans-Siberian train offers first, second, and third class, with some cabins featuring a bathroom and shower.

Lake Baikal

Lake Baikal in Russia
Lake Baikal in Russia is the largest freshwater lake in the world, containing more than 20 per cent of the total fresh water available on the planet. In winter, it is used as a road.

Lake Baikal — the deepest and oldest lake on the planet — is a frequent stop for tourists traveling aboard the Trans-Siberian train, heading to Vladivostok and Beijing. Located in Siberia, Lake Baikal, which is 25 million years old, holds about 20 percent of the world's freshwater. Surrounded by hills, the lake is known as the Pearl of Siberia and is a very popular holiday destination.

Articles about Russia

Saving in Russia

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