Budget/Backpacker Travel Guide: Russia

Accommodation

$8-25 per night

Dormitory beds in hostels, budget guesthouses, shared rooms, or basic private rooms in budget hotels

Food & Dining

$8-20 per day

Street food, local cafeterias, grocery stores for self-catering, budget restaurants, and local markets

Transportation

$3-12 per day

Public buses, metro systems, marshrutkas (shared minibuses), walking, and occasional budget train rides

Activities

$5-25 per day

Free walking tours, public parks, free museums on certain days, self-guided sightseeing, and occasional paid attractions

Use public transportation instead of taxis - typically saves 60-80% on transport costs

Eat at local cafeterias and markets rather than tourist restaurants - usually 50-70% cheaper

Book accommodation outside city centers - generally 30-50% less expensive with good transport links

Take advantage of free museum days and walking tours - can save $15-40 per day on activities

Shop at local grocery stores for breakfast and snacks - reduces daily food costs by 40-60%

Use overnight trains for longer distances - combines transport and accommodation costs

Visit during shoulder seasons for accommodation discounts of 25-45%

Relying solely on taxis and ride-shares instead of learning the public transport system - typically costs 3-5x more

Eating only in tourist areas near major attractions - usually involves 100-200% markup over local prices

Booking accommodation at the last minute during peak season - often results in 50-100% higher rates

Not researching free activities and museum discount days - missing potential savings of $20-50 per day