Things to Do in Russia

About Russia

Russia sprawls across eleven time zones. From St. Petersburg's Hermitage to Moscow's Red Square, the country connects centuries of turbulent history with serious artistic achievements. The Trans-Siberian Railway cuts through steppes that seem to go on forever. Winter snow turns cities into frozen showcases where steam rises from tea glasses in warm cafés. Summer brings White Nights and wheat fields that stretch to the horizon. Both seasons work. Ballet dancers here train hard and it shows. Babushkas sell pickled vegetables at busy markets, and Russian folk songs drift through birch forests—the atmosphere is distinctive. The place defies expectations. You won't find easy answers, but you'll encounter resilience and passion that most countries can't match.

Travel Tips

Transportation: Book Trans-Siberian tickets 2-3 months ahead through official RZD website. Moscow Metro requires a Troika card (₽50 deposit). Domestic flights are often cheaper than long-distance trains. Avoid unlicensed taxis—use Yandex.Taxi app instead.

Money: Bring euros or US dollars in cash—international cards may not work due to sanctions. Exchange money only at banks or official exchange bureaus. Keep receipts for amounts over $3,000. Many places still prefer cash over cards.

Cultural Respect: Remove shoes when entering homes. Bring odd numbers of flowers as gifts (even numbers are for funerals). Don't smile at strangers—it's considered insincere. Cover shoulders and heads when visiting Orthodox churches. Learn basic Russian greetings.

Food Safety: Tap water is safe in Moscow and St. Petersburg but buy bottled water elsewhere. Try traditional soups like borscht and solyanka at stolovaya (canteens) for authentic, affordable meals. Avoid street food; stick to established restaurants and hotel dining.

When to Visit

Russia's vast territory creates dramatically different seasonal experiences.Summer (June-August)brings warm temperatures (15-25°C) and the magical White Nights in St. Petersburg, but expect peak pricing (40-60% higher) and crowded attractions.Spring (April-May)offers mild weather (5-15°C), blooming landscapes, and shoulder season rates (20-30% lower), though occasional rain showers occur.Autumn (September-October)delivers impressive golden foliage, comfortable temperatures (0-15°C), and excellent value (30-40% below peak), making it ideal for budget travelers and photographers.Winter (November-March)transforms Russia into a frozen wonderland (-10 to -25°C), with lowest prices (50% off peak) but requires serious cold-weather preparation. Key festivals include Maslenitsa (February/March), celebrating spring's arrival with pancakes and folk traditions, and White Nights Festival (May-July) featuring excellent ballet and classical music. Winter lovers should visit during New Year celebrations or experience authentic Russian winter culture. Summer suits families and first-time visitors, while autumn appeals to culture ensoiasts seeking real feels without crowds. Business travelers find September-October optimal for comfortable weather and lower accommodation costs.