Russia, once the largest and most powerful
member of the former USSR, remains a fascinating
country to visit.
It is a country of contrasts, from great subtropical
beaches to bitterly cold winter regions in
the north.
The east may have fewer people, but its lovely
cities are among the most interesting in Russia
and can hold their own against the west.
Russia is steeped in history everywhere a
traveler goes, from vicious battles to great
classical music and literature.
Here’s a look at the best places to visit
in Russia:
Number 10.
Yekaterinburg
Yekaterinburg has been the setting of numerous
important events in Russia’s history.
It is here that the Romanovs were executed
and Boris Yeltsin came to power.
Lying next to the Ural Mountains, the city
was once the object of a gem rush, as miners
poured into Yekaterinburg hoping to make their
fortune.
Nowadays, it has lots of historical and cultural
sites for visitors to enjoy.
With a growing economy, many bars and cafes
are springing up and there is a fantastic
gastronomic scene.
Number 9.
Sochi
Sochi on the Black Sea is a great winter sports
destination and, in fact, it hosted the 2014
Winter Olympics.
Despite winter snow, Sochi offers a subtropical
climate and great beaches, making it a key
part of the Russian Riviera.
The resort city makes a great summer and winter
getaway for Russians.
Strolling along the pedestrian-only sea embankment
is a pleasant experience.
From here, you can go hiking in Agura Valley
or head to the nearby ski resorts in the mountains
– where the Olympics took place.
Number 8.
Veliky Novgorod
Lying on the banks of the Volkhov River, this
ancient city was the first capital of Russia
all the way back in the 9th Century.
Set on an important trade route between Central
Asia and Europe, Veliky Novgorod thankfully
avoided being destroyed in the Second World
War, so most of its fantastic monasteries
and monuments are intact.
The medieval heart of the city is fascinating
to explore, and numerous old churches can
be found.
The 11th Century St Sophia’s Cathedral is
just one of many highlights, alongside St
George’s Cathedral, the oldest monastery
in Russia.
Number 7.
Vladivostok
Mountains and bays surround Vladivostok, making
it a stunning beautiful city in Russia’s
east.
The last stop on the Trans-Siberian Railway,
Vladivostok is the country’s largest port
on the Pacific Ocean; it is just a jump away
from North Korea and China.
Some lovely architecture can be found interspersed
amongst Soviet-era buildings.
A city on the move, new theaters and cultural
attractions are opening up in Vladivostok,
while its fantastic restaurant scene is perfectly
complemented by trendy cocktail bars and pumping
nightlife.
Number 6.
Nizhny Novgorod
With the Volga and Oka Rivers running through
it, Nizhny Novgorod is most famed for the
spectacular hilltop kremlin looking out over
the spot where the two tributaries join.
Although it is understandably the highlight
of what is on offer, the city has more than
enough to entertain visitors for a couple
of days.
There are some great museums and restaurants
for tourists to enjoy, as well as lovely views
of the surroundings.
From here, you can go on a scenic river cruise
to some of the villages and towns nearby.
Number 5.
Lake Baikal
Many travelers on the Trans-Siberian railway
make plans to stop at Lake Baikal, the deepest
and oldest lake on Earth.
Lake Baikal holds around 20 percent of the
world’s fresh water and is considered one
of the clearest lakes in the world.
Located in Siberia, the 25-million-year-old
lake is surrounded by beautiful mountain ranges.
Known as the Pearl of Siberia, Lake Baikal
is home to several resorts, making the area
a popular vacation destination.
Number 4.
Kazan
Kazan is sometimes referred to as the Istanbul
of the Volga because it is a city where European
and Asian cultures meet.
The capital of Tatarstan is a lovely city
where church tower and minarets fill the skyline.
Also known as the third capital of Russia,
after Moscow and St. Petersburg, Kazan residents
enjoy one of the highest standards of living
in Russia.
Sights to see include the remains of the Kazan
Kremlin that was destroyed by Ivan the Terrible
and the Kul-Sharif Mosque, named after a man
killed defending Kazan from Ivan.
Number 3.
Golden Ring
The Golden Ring strings together several cities
outside of Moscow that fill the senses with
awe.
Picturesque countrysides filled with cherry
orchards, quaint cottages, onion-shaped domes
and iconic churches that contain the country’s
oldest art make this region a special place
to visit.
One of the oldest regions in Russia, today
it is very popular with tourists who want
to experience a bygone era.
The traditional way to view the cities and
towns makes a counter clockwise loop beginning
and ending in Moscow.
Number 2.
Saint Petersburg
Only founded in 1703, Saint Petersburg’s
tumultuous history has seen it change names
numerous times.
The former capital from which the Tsars once
reigned hosted the Communist Revolution and
was later sieged by the Nazis.
With a Western European feel to it, elegant
palaces and grand cathedrals are abundant
in the city, while lovely, leafy parks make
it a simply beautiful place to wander around.
Rivers and canals cut through Saint Petersburg,
and delightful bridges cross its waterways.
Not to be missed is the spectacular art collection
at the Hermitage Museum.
Number 1.
Moscow
As the capital of Russia, Moscow is the most
important city in Russia, but not just for
political reasons alone.
This city of more than 12 million is also
well known for its artistic endeavors, including
ballet, symphonies and art.
Onion-shaped domes of historic churches fill
the skyline.
The stately Kremlin and impressive Red Square,
one of the largest squares in the world, are
sights not to be missed, as are statues of
Lenin and Stalin, controversial leaders in
the 20th century.
Further evidence that Moscow’s past wasn’t
always squeaky clean can be seen in the Gulag
and Cold War museums.
