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The Russian Federation, also known as Russia, or simply the Russian Federation or Russia, is a federal constitutional republic comprised of 22 autonomous republics, 46 oblasts, 9 krais, 4 autonomous regions, 1 autonomous oblast, and 3 federal cities. Its national flag is a white, blue, and red tricolor. Its emblem features a double-headed eagle. Russia is located in northern Eurasia, spanning two continents. With a land area of 17,075,400 square kilometers, it is the largest country in the world and a unified multiethnic nation comprised of 194 ethnic groups. Russians are the majority, accounting for approximately 77.7% of the total population.
The country's terrain is primarily composed of plains and plateaus. The terrain is high in the south and low in the north, and low in the west and high in the east. The west is almost entirely comprised of the East European Plain, while eastward lies the Ural Mountains, the West Siberian Plain, the Central Siberian Plateau, the North Siberian Lowlands, the East Siberian Mountains, and the Pacific Coast Mountains. The Greater Caucasus Mountains rise in the southwest, with Mount Elbrus, its highest peak, at 5,642 meters.
Russia's vast territory spans four climatic zones: boreal, subarctic, temperate, and subtropical, with vastly varying climates. Most of Russia, situated at higher latitudes, has a temperate and subarctic continental climate characterized by long, dry, and cold winters and short, warm summers. Spring and autumn are fleeting, with large annual temperature swings, low precipitation, and high variability.
Summer (June-August)
Russia is lush and green as far as the eye can see during this period. It is also the peak tourist season in Russia. There are many people coming from all countries and in all forms, so hotel prices will also increase by 20-30% compared to winter. Many famous attractions have long queues to enter, and many theaters and circuses require ticket bookings at least one month in advance.
Autumn (September-October)
Autumn is the key season of the year in Russia. The weather starts to get cooler at this time (the temperature in Moscow is around 10 degrees). When the sun shines and the blue sky is set against the yellow leaves and onions, the colors are splashed vividly, outlining a shocking picture, like a fairy tale.
Winter (November to May)
Russia's winter brings a blanket of white snow (especially in extremely cold regions like Siberia, the Arctic Circle, and Yarkutsk). While it can be quite cold, it offers a unique and special experience. This is also Russia's off-season for tourism, so visitors are rare, so naturally, the tourist attractions don't see the same crowds as in summer and autumn.
Moscow
In the sunset, the whole city is romantic and solemn, with vast forests, the Kremlin, Stalin-style buildings, and the onion domes of many Orthodox cathedrals imprinting the city's lines.
Winter Palace
The Winter Palace was originally the palace of the Russian Tsar and is one of the four largest museums in the world. It houses a collection of artworks, oil paintings, sculptures, etc. from various countries. The vase painting art of ancient Greece and the sculpture art of ancient Rome are well-known in the world.
Lake Baikal region
Lake Baikal is fed by 336 rivers, including the Selenga River, with a catchment area of 557,000 square kilometers. The Angara River, a tributary of the Yenisei River, flows from the lake. The lake contains 27 small islands. Uncovered by Quaternary glaciers, the lake still harbors freshwater animals from the Tertiary period.
Golden Ring
The Golden Ring—a string of ancient towns north and east of Moscow—is a popular tourist route in provincial Russia. It includes some of the most historic cities in the heart of Russia. Along this route, visitors can admire unique architecture and landscapes of historical value dating back to the time of Ancient Rus.
St. Petersburg
St. Petersburg, Russia's second-largest city, boasts a wealth of tourism resources, including Nevsky Prospect, a city as old as its own history; the Bronze Horseman, a landmark sculpture on Decembrist Square; and other historic landmarks such as the Winter Palace and the Summer Palace. Built at the mouth of the Neva River on the eastern shore of the Baltic Sea, the city is spread across islands in the Neva Delta, with numerous rivers flowing through it, giving it a unique water-themed charm, earning it the nickname "Venice of the North."
Recommended number of days for a visit: 10-15 days
Russia is a vast country with a rich history, from the Tsarist Empire to the Soviet Union, and now the Russian Federation. Moscow and St. Petersburg are key cultural and historical hubs, with the Kremlin and Red Square representing Russia's imperial past. St. Petersburg, founded by Tsar Peter the Great, has been the cultural heart of Russia for centuries. Russia is known for its art, literature, and historical landmarks.
Russia is located in Eastern Europe and northern Asia, with major cities such as Moscow, St. Petersburg, and Kazan easily accessible by international flights. Within cities, metros, buses, taxis, and walking are common transportation options. Moscow and St. Petersburg have extensive metro systems that are efficient and affordable.
Attractions in Russia generally open from 9 AM to 6 PM. The best time to visit is during the spring (May-June) or autumn (September-October) when the weather is mild and the crowds are smaller. The winter months (December-February) can be very cold, especially in Siberia.
Entrance fees vary by attraction. For example, the Kremlin and Red Square in Moscow have an entrance fee of around RUB 700-1000. Tickets to the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg cost around RUB 500-700. Tickets can be bought online in advance or at the site itself.
It’s advisable to book tickets for popular attractions like the Kremlin or the Hermitage Museum at least a few days in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons. For major events like the ballet or opera, tickets should be booked 1-2 weeks in advance.
For cities like Moscow and St. Petersburg, 3-4 days are recommended to explore the major attractions. If you’re traveling across Russia, such as on the Trans-Siberian Railway, you will need several days to fully experience it.
Yes, guided tours and audio guides are available at most major attractions, including the Kremlin, Hermitage Museum, and Peterhof Palace. Languages include Russian, English, French, and sometimes German or Spanish.
Start in Moscow with the Kremlin, Red Square, and Saint Basil's Cathedral, then travel to St. Petersburg to visit the Hermitage Museum and Peterhof Palace. If traveling outside cities, the Trans-Siberian Railway is an iconic journey. In Siberia, visiting Lake Baikal is a must, and for natural wonders, the Valley of Geysers in Kamchatka is extraordinary.
Yes, night visits and special tours are available for landmarks like the Kremlin and the Hermitage Museum. In St. Petersburg, there are evening canal cruises and light shows. The Kremlin offers night tours, and in St. Petersburg, you can experience "White Nights" in summer with extended daylight.
Russia is crowded during the summer months (June-August) and especially during major holidays like New Year and Russian Orthodox Christmas (January 7). The least crowded times to visit are in the spring (May) and autumn (September-October).
Most major attractions in Russia have toilets, food kiosks, rest areas, and souvenir shops. Larger museums like the Hermitage and the Kremlin offer cafes and gift shops.
Many attractions in Moscow and St. Petersburg, such as the Kremlin and the Hermitage, are accessible for elderly and disabled visitors, with ramps and elevators. However, some older sites may lack full accessibility.
Credit cards and mobile payments are widely accepted in major cities like Moscow and St. Petersburg. However, it’s recommended to carry some cash, especially in more remote areas and smaller towns.
In Moscow and St. Petersburg, you’ll find a variety of restaurants ranging from traditional Russian cuisine to international options. For Russian dishes, try restaurants like Café Pushkin in Moscow or the Russian Vodka Room in St. Petersburg.
Yes, vegetarian and vegan options are available in larger cities like Moscow and St. Petersburg. Halal food is also available, especially in areas with larger Muslim communities like Moscow and Kazan.
In Moscow and St. Petersburg, there are numerous hotels ranging from luxury (like the Ritz-Carlton or Four Seasons) to budget options (such as Ibis). For a more authentic experience, consider staying in a traditional Russian guesthouse or boutique hotel.
Souvenir shops in Russia sell items like Russian dolls (Matryoshka), Fabergé eggs, Soviet-era memorabilia, traditional Russian scarves, and lacquer boxes. There are plenty of souvenir shops near popular tourist sites like Red Square and the Hermitage Museum.
For travel within Russia, the Trans-Siberian Railway is a popular and scenic option. For shorter distances, trains and domestic flights are recommended. In cities, the metro system, taxis, and ride-sharing apps like Yandex Go are efficient ways to get around.
