Complete Guide to Traveling in Russia

Complete Guide to Traveling in Russia: From the Northern Lights to the Ballet's Ice and Snow Romance

1. Preparation Before the Trip
✅【Visa】

Apply for a tourist visa 1-2 months in advance (single stay up to 30 days)

Note: Hotels must provide a confirmation letter (it is recommended to book hotels with free cancellation)

✅【Currency and Payment】

Currency: Ruble (₽)

Payment advice: Cash (small amounts) + credit cards (Visa/Mastercard accepted)

Currency exchange tips: Airport rates are less favorable; prioritize city banks

✅【Seasonal Guide】
❄️ Winter Exclusive (December to February):

Lake Baikal's blue ice spectacle

Murmansk Northern Lights feast (Teriberka is the best viewing spot)
☀️ Summer Highlights (June to August):

St. Petersburg White Nights Festival (around June 21)

Moscow Red Square open-air concerts

2. Transportation Overview
🚇 City Transport:

Moscow Metro (underground art palace, single ticket 60₽)

Yandex.Taxi (safer than street taxis)

🚂 Intercity Transport:

High-speed train: Moscow → St. Petersburg (4 hours, Sapsan train)

Legendary experience: Trans-Siberian Railway (recommended to buy tickets in segments)

3. Recommended Unique Accommodations
🏨 Moscow:

Luxury choice: Four Seasons Hotel (open the window to Red Square)

For artsy youth: Design Hotel StandArt (next to the Tretyakov Gallery)

🏡 St. Petersburg:

Nevsky Prospect century-old apartment (experience the life of Russian nobility)

Soul Kitchen Hostel (ranked TOP 10 global hostels)

4. Taste of Russia
🍽️ Must-try trio:

Borscht (with sour cream is the soul way to eat)

Russian dumplings (surprising fillings: mashed potatoes/cherries)

Tatar kebab (Caucasus flavor)

☕ Drink secrets:

Kvass (more refreshing than cola)

Mulled wine (a must at Christmas markets)

5. In-depth Activity Guide
Moscow Cultural Tour:

Kremlin Armory (requires separate reservation)

GUM Department Store rooftop viewing platform (free panoramic view of Red Square)

🎭 St. Petersburg Art Tour:

Hermitage hidden feature: open Thursday nights

Mariinsky Theatre ticket tips: lock in student tickets 2 months in advance on the official website

6. Shopping Pitfall Avoidance Guide
🛍️ Authenticity verification:

Matryoshka dolls: only valuable if the bottom has the craftsman's signature

Amber: fluoresces under UV light

7. Safety Tips
⚠️ Special attention:

Stand on the right side of the metro escalator (left side is the fast lane)

Beware of "helpful strangers" (common at train stations)

8. Technology Empowering Travel
📱 Life-saving Apps:

Yandex.Metro (one-click planning for complex metro lines)

2GIS (precise navigation in Siberia)

💡 Fun fact:

Russian sockets are compatible with European standards, but some old buildings require a two-round-pin adapter

Google Translate may fail in the Lake Baikal area; it is recommended to download the Russian offline package