Overview of Russia
As Russia moves forward into the 21st century, it leaves behind a turbulent history of tyranny and a crippled economy - from Ivan the Terrible to Peter the Great, from the fall of the Tsars to the dictatorship of the Soviet government. Today, Russia is a nation embracing its newfound freedom and future potential, whilst enjoying a renewal of the rich cultural heritage of its past.
Despite the visible effects of hardship and economic disparity, and its previous isolation from the rest of the world, travellers in Russia will encounter a country of enormous diversity and vitality, with cultural treasures and historical monuments, great imperial cities and glittering cathedrals. Visitors will experience the enchantment of Tchaikovsky, the Kirov and Bolshoi Ballet, and marvel at priceless Russian icons and the unique style of decorative, onion-domed architecture.
Most westerners associate Russia with the great imperial centres of Moscow and St Petersburg, and although these two cities, the capital and the beautiful 'Venice of the North' are a must-see, they are a mere scratch on the surface of this vast and varied land. Straddling two continents and 11 time zones, the Russian Federation is the largest country on earth, nearly twice the size of the United States of America. Within this impressive expanse lie natural wonders such as Lake Baikal, the deepest lake in the world, and beautiful mountains, rivers and forests abundant with wildlife, as well as traditional villages scattered across the Siberian landscape.
Visitors taking the opportunity to explore Russia will not be disappointed: its impressive museums, overwhelming sense of history, culture and unspoilt wilderness will leave one with a desire to see more, and its relative isolation has ensured that Russia retains its sense of mystery.
Key Facts
- Language:
- Russian is the official language. Some people speak English, French or German.
- Passport/Visa:
-
Valid visas in expired passports or other expired travel documents are not accepted. Visitors must carry ID at all times whilst in Russia. An Immigrant Card will be issued on board the aircraft or on arrival. All visitors staying for longer than seven working days must register with the Federal Migration Service upon arrival; if staying in a hotel, the hotel will arrange this, otherwise you can find the forms to fill out at a post office and post the forms to the Federal Migration Service. Anyone travelling on a tourist visa must hold vouchers from the hotel or travel agency. Passengers are required to hold return/onward tickets and documents required for the next destination. Exit permits are required on departure. These are usually issued with the visa, or can be obtained at hotels not less than two days before departure. Passports must be valid for period of intended stay. It is highly recommended that passports have at least six months validity remaining after your intended
date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
- Currency:
-
The official currency is the Rouble (RUB), which is divided into 100 kopeks. Most major international credit cards are accepted in larger establishments. Currency can be changed at banks, bureaux de change, and hotels. ATMs are widely available in major cities. It is hard to get roubles outside Russia and travellers are advised to take good condition US Dollars or Euro notes to change once there.
- Electricity:
- Electrical current is 220 volts, 50Hz. Round two-pin plugs are standard.
Travel to Russia
Overview
Russia holds a wealth of sightseeing opportunities across all nine of its time zones, incorporating the largest forestland and freshwater supply in the world. It's little wonder that Russians refer to their country as the Motherland - it is, undeniably, a bountiful place. Seeing Russia in all her glory would be a mighty, and time-consuming, feat.
In St Petersburg, the State Hermitage Museum captures ancient to modern Russian history in the six buildings which make up the Winter Palace - the former residence of the tsars. The Moscow Kremlin is a wonder to behold; alongside it is Red Square, Moscow's broad and bustling city square flanked by the famous Basil Cathedral. The Bolshoi Ballet Theatre, in neighbouring Theatre Square, is one of the most ornate theatres in the world and is home to the world's oldest and most successful ballet company.
There is, however, more to see by way of both history and natural splendour. Russia is jokingly referred to as the 'lungs of Europe' due to the expansive forestland, which is said to absorb about 15 percent of the world's carbon dioxide. As you progress east, the forest becomes more dense and overwhelming. The best way to take in the Russian countryside is by train, as the Trans-Siberian Railway winds southeast from Moscow on the same route that once transported prisoners of Stalin's purges to gulag labour camps. Those in search of natural beauty should also consider travelling down to Lake Baikal, the deepest and largest lake (by volume) in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Climate in Russia
The main holiday season for Russians and foreigners is during the warmest months of July and August, but it also rains a lot at this time. The best times to visit are May and June or September and October, avoiding most of the crowds and the rain. Winters are very cold and bitter, especially in Siberia, but are also beautiful. February usually has the worst weather: windy and extremely cold with very little snow.
Health Notes when travelling to Russia
Travellers to Russia are advised to get vaccinations for hepatitis A and hepatitis B, to be up to date on vaccinations for tetanus-diphtheria and MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), and to consider vaccinations for typhoid, rabies and Japanese encephalitis if they are long-term travellers and/or spending time in rural areas.
Drinking water should be treated; bottled water is readily available. Local state medical facilities are of a low standard, however, and visitors are strongly advised to have full insurance for medical treatment and accidents should they require private care. Blood transfusions should not be performed in Russia, due to uncertainties concerning the blood supply. Essential medications and supplies may be limited.
Safety Notes when travelling to Russia
Though Russia is generally a safe country in which to travel, visitors should be vigilant and watch out for pickpockets and street crime, and should be particularly cautious on the metro and buses. Moreover, travellers must insist on seeing official identification from police officers. Political protests often end in violence and detention and visitors are advised to avoid all street demonstrations and political gatherings.
Customs in Russia
Photography of anything to do with the military, strategic sites, or the airport, is prohibited. In Russian Orthodox churches, women are advised to wear skirts and cover their heads with a scarf. It is a legal requirement for visitors to carry passports for identification; copies are not sufficient. Russia has a poor LGBT rights record, and same-sex couples should exercise caution.
Duty Free in Russia
The following may be imported into Russia without customs duty: 200 cigarettes, 100 cigarillos, 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco products (over 18 years), 2 litres of alcohol (over 21 years), perfume for personal use, gifts up to the value of US$10,000. Tourists must complete a customs declaration form, to be retained until departure, allowing for the import of articles intended for personal use (including currency and valuables) which must be registered on the declaration form.
Additionally, 250g of caviar per person may be exported, with a receipt proving it was purchased at a store licensed to sell it to foreigners and a licence from the Ministry of Economic Development. Any items or artwork that might have historical value, like icons, maps, coins or paintings, have to be registered with the Ministry of Culture before departure, which usually involves a 100% customs duty fee.
Doing Business in Russia
Russian business is conducted in a fashion similar to Western countries but with some subtle differences. Russians are business-minded so it is not generally necessary to form personal relations with business colleagues; however, developing a good network of resident associates is a good idea. Dress is formal and conservative and on greeting a good firm handshake and direct eye contact indicates strength. Business cards are exchanged and it is advisable to print a Cyrillic translation of your details on the alternate side. Business hours are generally from 9am to 6pm from Monday to Friday.
Communication in Russia
The international access code for Russia is +7. Hotels, cafes and restaurants offering free wifi are widely available. As international roaming costs can be high, purchasing a local prepaid SIM card can be a cheaper option.
Tipping in Russia
Hotel bills in the large Russian cities usually include a 10 to 15 percent service charge. If no service charge has been added a tip of at least 10 percent is expected. City Guides and their drivers also expect a small tip and tipping in bars and nightclubs is common.
Passport/Visa Note
Valid visas in expired passports or other expired travel documents are not accepted. Visitors must carry ID at all times whilst in Russia. An Immigrant Card will be issued on board the aircraft or on arrival. All visitors staying for longer than seven working days must register with the Federal Migration Service upon arrival; if staying in a hotel, the hotel will arrange this, otherwise you can find the forms to fill out at a post office and post the forms to the Federal Migration Service. Anyone travelling on a tourist visa must hold vouchers from the hotel or travel agency. Passengers are required to hold return/onward tickets and documents required for the next destination. Exit permits are required on departure. These are usually issued with the visa, or can be obtained at hotels not less than two days before departure. Passports must be valid for period of intended stay. It is highly recommended that passports have at least six months validity remaining after your intended
date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
Entry Requirements
- Entry requirements for Americans:
-
United States citizens must have a passport valid on arrival. A visa is required.
- Entry requirements for Canadians:
-
Canadian citizens must have a passport valid on arrival. A visa is required.
- Entry requirements for UK nationals:
-
British citizens must have a passport valid on arrival. A visa is required.
- Entry requirements for Australians:
-
Australian citizens must have a passport valid on arrival. A visa is required. Those passengers with an APEC Business Travel Card valid for travel to 'RUS' if traveling on business do not require a visa.
- Entry requirements for Irish nationals:
-
Irish nationals require a passport valid on arrival. A visa is required.
- Entry requirements for New Zealanders:
-
New Zealand nationals require a passport valid on arrival. A visa is required. Those passengers with APEC Business Travel Card for travel to 'RUS' if traveling on business do not require a visa.
- Entry requirements for South Africans:
-
South Africans must have a passport valid on arrival. No visa is required for a maximum of 90 days.
Tourist Offices
Russian Tourism Authority: +7 495 623 7978 or http://www.russia-travel.com
Russia Embassies
- In the United States:
-
Russian Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 939 8907.
- In Canada:
-
Russian Embassy, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 235 4341.
- In the United Kingdom:
-
Russian Embassy, London, United Kingdom: +44 20 7229 6412.
- In Australia:
-
Russian Embassy, Canberra, Australia: +61 2 6295 9033.
- In Ireland:
-
Russian Embassy, Dublin, Ireland: +353 1 492 2048.
- In New Zealand:
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Russian Embassy, Wellington, New Zealand: +64 4 476 6113.
- In South Africa:
-
Russian Embassy, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 12 362 1337.
Foreign Embassies in Russia
- American Embassy
-
United States Embassy, Moscow: +7 495 728 5000.
- Canadian Embassy
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Canadian Embassy, Moscow: +7 495 105 6000.
- British Embassy
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British Embassy, Moscow: +7 495 956 7200.
- Australian Embassy
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Australian Embassy, Moscow: +7 495 956 6070.
- Irish Embassy
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Irish Embassy, Moscow: +7 495 937 5911.
- New Zealand Embassy
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New Zealand Embassy, Moscow: +7 495 956 3579.
- South African Embassy
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South African Embassy, Moscow: +7 495 540 1177.
Travel Advisories
Health Information for Travelers to Russia
Content source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Hide Vaccines and Medicines
Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor (ideally, 4-6 weeks) before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need.
| | Find Out Why | Protect Yourself |
All travelers You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccines may also be required for travel. |
| Routine vaccines | Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot. |   |
Most travelers Get travel vaccines and medicines because there is a risk of these diseases in the country you are visiting. |
| Hepatitis A | CDC recommends this vaccine because you can get hepatitis A through contaminated food or water in Russia, regardless of where you are eating or staying. |  |
Some travelers Ask your doctor what vaccines and medicines you need based on where you are going, how long you are staying, what you will be doing, and if you are traveling from a country other than the US. |
| Hepatitis B | You can get hepatitis B through sexual contact, contaminated needles, and blood products, so CDC recommends this vaccine if you might have sex with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or have any medical procedures. |   |
| Japanese Encephalitis | Depending on what time of year you are traveling, you may need this vaccine if you are visiting certain remote areas of Russia for more than a month, or if you will be spending a lot of time outdoors in those areas during a shorter trip. Your doctor can help you decide if this vaccine is right for you based on your travel plans. See more in-depth information on Japanese encephalitis in Russia. |  |
| Rabies | Although rabies can be found in dogs, bats, and other mammals in Russia, it is not a major risk to most travelers. CDC recommends rabies vaccine for only these groups: - Travelers involved in activities that put them at risk for animal bites (such as adventure travel and caving).
- People who will be working with or around animals (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, and researchers).
- People who are taking long trips or moving to remote areas in Russia.
- Children, because they tend to play with animals, might not report bites, and are more likely to have animal bites on their head and neck.
- FOR TRAVELERS TO CAUCASUS REGION: CDC also recommends rabies vaccine for travelers involved in other outdoor activities (such as camping, hiking, and biking) and most long-term travelers.
|  |
All travelers
You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccines may also be required for travel.
Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot.
Most travelers
Get travel vaccines and medicines because there is a risk of these diseases in the country you are visiting.
CDC recommends this vaccine because you can get hepatitis A through contaminated food or water in Russia, regardless of where you are eating or staying.
Some travelers
Ask your doctor what vaccines and medicines you need based on where you are going, how long you are staying, what you will be doing, and if you are traveling from a country other than the US.
You can get hepatitis B through sexual contact, contaminated needles, and blood products, so CDC recommends this vaccine if you might have sex with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or have any medical procedures.
Depending on what time of year you are traveling, you may need this vaccine if you are visiting certain remote areas of Russia for more than a month, or if you will be spending a lot of time outdoors in those areas during a shorter trip. Your doctor can help you decide if this vaccine is right for you based on your travel plans. See more in-depth information on Japanese encephalitis in Russia.
Although rabies can be found in dogs, bats, and other mammals in Russia, it is not a major risk to most travelers. CDC recommends rabies vaccine for only these groups:
- Travelers involved in activities that put them at risk for animal bites (such as adventure travel and caving).
- People who will be working with or around animals (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, and researchers).
- People who are taking long trips or moving to remote areas in Russia.
- Children, because they tend to play with animals, might not report bites, and are more likely to have animal bites on their head and neck.
- FOR TRAVELERS TO CAUCASUS REGION: CDC also recommends rabies vaccine for travelers involved in other outdoor activities (such as camping, hiking, and biking) and most long-term travelers.
Key
- Get vaccinated
- Eat and drink safely
- Prevent bug bites
- Keep away from animals
- Reduce your exposure to germs
- Avoid sharing body fluids
- Avoid non-sterile medical or cosmetic equipment
Top
Hide Stay Healthy and Safe
Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in Russia, so your behaviors are important.
Unclean food and water can cause travelers' diarrhea and other diseases. Reduce your risk by sticking to safe food and water habits.
Eat
- Food that is cooked and served hot
- Hard-cooked eggs
- Fruits and vegetables you have washed in clean water or peeled yourself
- Pasteurized dairy products
Don't Eat
- Food served at room temperature
- Food from street vendors
- Raw or soft-cooked (runny) eggs
- Raw or undercooked (rare) meat or fish
- Unwashed or unpeeled raw fruits and vegetables
- Unpasteurized dairy products
- ”Bushmeat” (monkeys, bats, or other wild game)
Drink
- Bottled water that is sealed
- Water that has been disinfected
- Ice made with bottled or disinfected water
- Carbonated drinks
- Hot coffee or tea
- Pasteurized milk
Don’t Drink
- Tap or well water
- Ice made with tap or well water
- Drinks made with tap or well water (such as reconstituted juice)
- Unpasteurized milk
Take Medicine
Talk with your doctor about taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs with you on your trip in case you get sick.
Hide Bugs (like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas) can spread a number of diseases in Russia. Many of these diseases cannot be prevented with a vaccine or medicine. You can reduce your risk by taking steps to prevent bug bites.
What can I do to prevent bug bites?
- Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
- Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
- Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents). Do not use permethrin directly on skin.
- Stay and sleep in air-conditioned or screened rooms.
- Use a bed net if the area where you are sleeping is exposed to the outdoors.
What type of insect repellent should I use?
- FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
- FOR PROTECTION AGAINST MOSQUITOES ONLY: Products with one of the following active ingredients can also help prevent mosquito bites. Higher percentages of active ingredient provide longer protection.
- DEET
- Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin)
- Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or PMD
- IR3535
- Always use insect repellent as directed.
What should I do if I am bitten by bugs?
- Avoid scratching bug bites, and apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce the itching.
- Check your entire body for ticks after outdoor activity. Be sure to remove ticks properly.
What can I do to avoid bed bugs?
Although bed bugs do not carry disease, they are an annoyance. See our information page about avoiding bug bites for some easy tips to avoid them. For more information on bed bugs, see Bed Bugs.
For more detailed information on avoiding bug bites, see Avoid Bug Bites.
Hide If your travel plans in Russia include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip.
- Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
- Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
- Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
- Heat-related illness, such as heat stroke, can be deadly. Eat and drink regularly, wear loose and lightweight clothing, and limit physical activity during high temperatures.
- If you are outside for many hours in heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
- Protect yourself from UV radiation: use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
- Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
- Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.
Stay safe around water
- Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
- Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.
- Do not dive into shallow water.
- Do not swim in freshwater in developing areas or where sanitation is poor.
- Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
- To prevent infections, wear shoes on beaches where there may be animal waste.
Hide Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.
Follow these tips to protect yourself:
- Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
- Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
- Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
- Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
- If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately. Bat bites may be hard to see.
All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:
- Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
- Go to a doctor right away.
- Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.
Consider buying medical evacuation insurance. Rabies is a deadly disease that must be treated quickly, and treatment may not be available in some countries.
Hide Reduce your exposure to germs
Follow these tips to avoid getting sick or spreading illness to others while traveling:
- Wash your hands often, especially before eating.
- If soap and water aren’t available, clean hands with hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol).
- Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
- Try to avoid contact with people who are sick.
- If you are sick, stay home or in your hotel room, unless you need medical care.
Hide Avoid sharing body fluids
Diseases can be spread through body fluids, such as saliva, blood, vomit, and semen.
Protect yourself:
- Use latex condoms correctly.
- Do not inject drugs.
- Limit alcohol consumption. People take more risks when intoxicated.
- Do not share needles or any devices that can break the skin. That includes needles for tattoos, piercings, and acupuncture.
- If you receive medical or dental care, make sure the equipment is disinfected or sanitized.
Hide Know how to get medical care while traveling
Plan for how you will get health care during your trip, should the need arise:
- Carry a list of local doctors and hospitals at your destination.
- Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance.
- Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medications you take.
- Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call Russia’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
- Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.
Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website (www.jointcommissioninternational.org).
In some countries, medicine (prescription and over-the-counter) may be substandard or counterfeit. Bring the medicines you will need from the United States to avoid having to buy them at your destination.
Hide Select safe transportation
Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.
In many places cars, buses, large trucks, rickshaws, bikes, people on foot, and even animals share the same lanes of traffic, increasing the risk for crashes.
Walking
Be smart when you are traveling on foot.
- Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
- Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
- Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.
Riding/Driving
Choose a safe vehicle.
- Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
- Ride only in cars that have seatbelts.
- Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
- Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
- Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
- Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.
Think about the driver.
- Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
- Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
- Arrange payment before departing.
Follow basic safety tips.
- Wear a seatbelt at all times.
- Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
- When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
- Avoid driving at night; street lighting in certain parts of Russia may be poor.
- Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
- Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
- If you choose to drive a vehicle in Russia, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
- Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
- Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
Flying
- Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
- If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
- Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.
Medical Evacuation Insurance
If you are seriously injured, emergency care may not be available or may not meet US standards. Trauma care centers are uncommon outside urban areas. Having medical evacuation insurance can be helpful for these reasons.
Helpful Resources
Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.
The Association for International Road Travel has country-specific Road Travel Reports available for most countries for a minimal fee.
Hide Maintain personal security
Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home, and always stay alert and aware of your surroundings.
Before you leave
- Research your destination(s), including local laws, customs, and culture.
- Monitor travel warnings and alerts and read travel tips from the US Department of State.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).
- Leave a copy of your itinerary, contact information, credit cards, and passport with someone at home.
- Pack as light as possible, and leave at home any item you could not replace.
While at your destination(s)
- Carry contact information for the nearest US embassy or consulate.
- Carry a photocopy of your passport and entry stamp; leave the actual passport securely in your hotel.
- Follow all local laws and social customs.
- Do not wear expensive clothing or jewelry.
- Always keep hotel doors locked, and store valuables in secure areas.
- If possible, choose hotel rooms between the 2nd and 6th floors.
Hide Top
Hide Healthy Travel Packing List
Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for Russia for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.
Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?
It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.
Top
Hide Travel Health Notices
Be aware of current health issues in Russia. Learn how to protect yourself.
Watch Level 1, Practice Usual Precautions
Top
If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic. Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.
For more information on what to do if you are sick after your trip, see Getting Sick after Travel.
Top
Map Disclaimer - The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on maps do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Approximate border lines for which there may not yet be full agreement are generally marked.
Currency
The official currency is the Rouble (RUB), which is divided into 100 kopeks. Most major international credit cards are accepted in larger establishments. Currency can be changed at banks, bureaux de change, and hotels. ATMs are widely available in major cities. It is hard to get roubles outside Russia and travellers are advised to take good condition US Dollars or Euro notes to change once there.
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Exchange rate for 1 RUB - Russian Rouble
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0.01 BMD
Bermudan Dollar
|
0.01 EUR
Euro
|
0.01 USD
U.S. Dollar
|
0.01 GBP
U.K. Pound Sterling
|
1.63 JPY
Japanese Yen
|
0.02 CAD
Canadian Dollar
|
0.01 CHF
Swiss Franc
|
0.02 AUD
Australian Dollar
|
0.38 UAH
Ukrainian Hryvnia
|
5.06 KZT
Kazakhstani Tenge
|
22.54 LBP
Lebanese Pound
|
0.01 LYD
Libyan Dinar
|
0.10 BOB
Bolivian Boliviano
|
1.62 NPR
Nepalese Rupee
|
0.01 OMR
Omani Rial
|
0.05 QAR
Qatari Rial
|
0.02 SGD
Singapore Dollar
|
0.12 SEK
Swedish Krona
|
0.10 TTD
Trinidad Tobago Dollar
|
0.15 VEF
Venezuelan Bolivar
|
0.69 DOP
Dominican Peso
|
0.10 HRK
Croatian Kuna
|
0.28 MXN
Mexican Peso
|
8.78 XOF
West African CFA Franc
|
0.05 PGK
Papua New Guinean kina
|
0.01 BSD
Bahamian Dollar
|
0.03 FJD
Fiji Dollar
|
0.34 HNL
Honduran Lempira
|
1.65 DZD
Algerian Dinar
|
17.83 MMK
Myanma Kyat
|
0.17 BWP
Botswana Pula
|
0.05 PEN
Peruvian Nuevo Sol
|
10.38 CLP
Chilean Peso
|
7.16 AMD
Armenia Dram
|
0.36 CZK
Czech Koruna
|
0.30 MDL
Moldova Lei
|
1.86 ISK
Icelandic Krona
|
44.00 UZS
Uzbekistan Sum
|
0.06 ILS
Israeli New Sheqel
|
0.01 JOD
Jordanian Dinar
|
0.00 KWD
Kuwaiti Dinar
|
0.47 UYU
Uruguayan Peso
|
0.53 MUR
Mauritian Rupee
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0.43 NIO
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Moscow International Airport (SVO)
Moscow Sheremetyevo International Airport
http://www.svo.aero
Location: Moscow The airport is situated 19 miles (31km) from Moscow.
Time: Local time is GMT +3.
Contacts:
Tel: +7 495 232 6565.
Transfer between terminals:
Most international flights will arrive at Terminals D, E and F. Terminals B and C, about 15 miles (24km) away, serve domestic and charter flights. Public and Express buses, taxis and free airline shuttles are available between all five terminals. There is a walkway between Terminals D, E and F.
Getting to the city:
There are several bus services, connecting each terminal to the nearby metro stations; from there, connections can be made to the city centre. Minibuses are also available.
Car rental:
Car rental companies include Sixt and Hertz.
Airport Taxis:
A taxi ride to the city centre takes around 30 minutes (traffic dependent). Taxi touts operate in front of the terminals and are to be avoided. Book a taxi from one of the official taxi company booths. It is advisable to pre-book a taxi and be met on arrival.
Facilities:
Once through check-in at Moscow Sheremetyevo airport, all terminals include business lounges, refreshment facilities, bureaux de change, restaurants, bars and duty-free shopping. For disabled passengers, wheelchair transfer from the aircraft to the terminal building should be arranged in advance.
Parking:
Parking is available close to each of the terminals. Most offer free parking for the first five to 15 minutes.
St Petersburg Airport (LED)
Pulkovo International Airport
http://www.pulkovoairport.ru/en/
Location: St Petersburg The airport is situated 14 miles (23km) south of St Petersburg.
Time: Local time is GMT +3.
Contacts:
Tel: +7 812 337 3822.
Getting to the city:
Buses leave for Moskovskaya Metro Station from outside the terminal, from where metros go to the city centre. Passengers who are staying in a major hotel can usually arrange to be picked up.
Car rental:
Hertz, Avis and Europcar, among other companies, are represented in the terminal.
Airport Taxis:
Taxis are available outside the terminal. Be sure to agree on a price before leaving the airport as tourists are often overcharged.
Facilities:
Facilities include a few duty-free shops, a bureau de change, snack bars, restaurants, a business centre, a tourism centre, baby-care room, internet access and an ATM.
Parking:
Short-term parking at P2 and P3 costs from RUB 100 to RUB 200 per hour, while long-term parking at P4 is availble from RUB 400 per day.
Domodedovo International Airport (DME)
Moscow Domodedovo International Airport
http://www.domodedovo.ru/en/
Location: Moscow 28 miles (45km) south of Moscow city centre
Time: Local time is GMT +3 (GMT +4 from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in September).
Contacts:
Tel: +7 495 933 6666.
Getting to the city:
A highway links Moscow city with the passenger terminal at the airport, making access by public transport, taxi or private car possible. There are trains linking the airport to Paveletsky Rail Terminal in Moscow city centre. The trains run every 30 to 60 minutes and the trip takes about 40 minutes. There are also express trains to Belorussky Rail Terminal via the Kursky and Kalanchevskaya stations. A coach service between the airport and the Domodedovskaya station on the Moscow Metro runs every 15 minutes and takes about 30 minutes.
Car rental:
Car rental companies at the airport include Europcar, Hertz and Sixt.
Airport Taxis:
There are share taxis between the Metro station and the airport, and the fare is 100 rubles. The official taxi operators are MB-Motors, Gorodskoe Taxi (City Taxi) and Formula Taxi.
Facilities:
There are shops, cafés and restaurants in the Trade Centre on the 2nd floor of Domodedovo, and more cafés, bars and shops located on the 1st floor. There are postal, phone and e-mail facilities available in the airport, as well as currency exchange and wire transfer facilities.
Parking:
There is short- and long-term parking available at the airport. Airhotel customers can park in Lot 8 for a reduced rate per day, and take a shuttle to the terminal.
Koltsovo International Airport (SVX)
Koltsovo International Airport
http://www.koltsovo.ru
Location: The airport is located about 11 miles (18km) from Yekaterinburg city centre.
Time: GMT+5 (GMT+6 from March to October).
Contacts:
Tel: +7 343 226 8582.
Getting to the city:
There are several ways to connect to the city from the airport. Bus 1 takes passengers to the central Yekaterinburg railway station (Sverdlovsk), and bus 67 connects to the downtown Airlines ticketing agency. Yellow minibus cabs operate between the airport and the railway station. There are numerous taxis available outside the terminal (negotiate fares before departure), or private car pick-ups can be booked fairly cheaply.
Car rental:
Hertz and Europcar are represented at the airport.
Airport Taxis:
Facilities:
The airport has bureaux de change, bars, a restaurant (in the adjacent hotel), fast-food outlets, a hairdresser, shops, and baggage storage facilities.
Parking:
The airport has 790 short-term parking spaces and 300 long-term parking spaces. Parking is in front of the main terminal and costs RUB 50 per half hour up to RUB 1,000 per day. Long-term parking costs RUB 200-300 per day.
Departure Tax: None.
Sochi International Airport (AER)
Adler-Sochi International Airport
http://sochi-airport.com/
Location: Sochi The airport is located 19 miles (30km) from downtown Sochi.
Time: Local time is GMT +3
Contacts:
Tel: +7 800 301 1991
Getting to the city:
The Aeroexpress train is the fastest way to get from the airport to Adler or Sochi. A number of Sochi Autotrans buses connect the airport with the city centre, Adler and the 'Rosa Khutor' Alpine Centre in Krasnaya Polyana. There is also a Skybus offering direct connection to accommodation at Gorki Gorod, Laura and Rosa Khutor resorts.
Car rental:
Avis and Sixt offer car rental services at the airport.
Airport Taxis:
Taxis are always available outside the airport. The official airport taxi provider offers a set rate according to the price list.
Facilities:
Sochi International Airport offers cafes, restaurants, a post office, banks and currency exchange offices, baggage storage, a pharmacy, first aid and a baby-care room.
Parking:
Short-term parking is available. Parking is free for the first 15 minutes, RUB 200 per hour and RUB 1,000 per day. Daily and VIP parking is also available.
Vladivostok Airport (VVO)
Vladivostok International Airport, formerly known as Knevichi Airport.
http://www.vvo.aero
Location: Russian Far East The airport is 31 miles (50km) outside Vladivostok.
Time: GMT + 10.
Contacts:
+7 423 230 6909
Transfer between terminals:
Terminals are within easy walking distance of each other.
Getting to the city:
Bus: The airport is served by two buses that stop at the airport terminal square and then travel into Vladivostok. Bus 107 and 101 both travel to central Vladivostok.
Car rental:
Avis offers car rentals in Vladivostok.
Airport Taxis:
Taxis wait outside the terminal, but it is often difficult to find a good deal. A share-taxi costs RUB 500 to RUB 600 and private taxis cost between RUB 800 and RUB 1200. Be sure to agree on the price before leaving the airport.
Facilities:
Bank, ATMs, currency exchange, luggage storage, medical centre, mother and child room, handicapped facilities, wifi, souvenir shops, newsstands, duty-free shops, a coffee shop and a restaurant are all available within the terminal.
Parking:
Parking bays are located just outside the terminal.
Irkutsk International Airport (IKT)
Irkutsk International Airport
Location: Russian Far East The airport is located three miles (5km) from downtown Irkutsk.
Time:
Getting to the city:
Car rental:
Airport Taxis:
Facilities:
Parking:
Parking at Irkutsk International Airport is free for the first 10 minutes.
Overview of the Attractions in Russia
Russia holds a wealth of sightseeing opportunities across all nine of its time zones, incorporating the largest forestland and freshwater supply in the world. It's little wonder that Russians refer to their country as the Motherland - it is, undeniably, a bountiful place. Seeing Russia in all her glory would be a mighty, and time-consuming, feat.
In St Petersburg, the State Hermitage Museum captures ancient to modern Russian history in the six buildings which make up the Winter Palace - the former residence of the tsars. The Moscow Kremlin is a wonder to behold; alongside it is Red Square, Moscow's broad and bustling city square flanked by the famous Basil Cathedral. The Bolshoi Ballet Theatre, in neighbouring Theatre Square, is one of the most ornate theatres in the world and is home to the world's oldest and most successful ballet company.
There is, however, more to see by way of both history and natural splendour. Russia is jokingly referred to as the 'lungs of Europe' due to the expansive forestland, which is said to absorb about 15 percent of the world's carbon dioxide. As you progress east, the forest becomes more dense and overwhelming. The best way to take in the Russian countryside is by train, as the Trans-Siberian Railway winds southeast from Moscow on the same route that once transported prisoners of Stalin's purges to gulag labour camps. Those in search of natural beauty should also consider travelling down to Lake Baikal, the deepest and largest lake (by volume) in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Kremlin
Moscow
The Kremlin is a fortress surrounded by a thick red wall interspersed with 20 towers that was built between 1482 and 1495. The complex consists of a number of glittering, golden-domed churches and palaces, museums, residences, offices, assembly halls and monuments. It was home to the royal regime during Tsarist rule and the seat of the Communist government from 1918 onward. Cathedral Square is the religious centre of Moscow and the historic heart of the Kremlin. The attractive Annunciation Cathedral was set aside for the private use of royalty and contains beautifully painted murals and icons on the interior walls. The throne of Ivan the Terrible can be found in the Cathedral of the Assumption, which was used for the coronation of tsars; most of the leaders of the Russian Orthodox Church are buried here and their tombs line the walls of the spacious, richly coloured interior.
The Belfry of Ivan the Great is the tallest structure within the walls and a visible city landmark. At its foot lies one of the world's biggest bells, broken in a fall from its bell tower in 1701, and nearby is one of the world's largest cannons, the Tsar Cannon. Also within the Kremlin is the Armoury Palace. It is the richest and oldest museum and houses a staggering collection of treasures gathered over the years by the church and Russian state. These include jewel-studded coronation capes, thrones encrusted with diamonds, royal coaches and sleighs and the renowned jewelled Fabergé Easter eggs, each containing an exquisitely detailed miniature object of precious metal inside. The Diamond Fund Exhibition in the same building contains the 180-carat diamond given to Catherine the Great by Count Orlov.
Getting there: Metro stop Biblioteka imeni Lenina or Aleksandrovsky Sad.
Website: http://www.kreml.ru/en
Red Square
Moscow
Red Square is a dramatic cobbled square in the centre of Moscow. Originally the city's marketplace, the square also served as a public gathering place to celebrate festivals, listen to government announcements or witness executions, especially common during the reign of Ivan the Terrible. The Soviet state turned it into a memorial cemetery, and constructed Lenin's Mausoleum to one side - a crystal casket containing the preserved body of the founder of the Soviet Union that is still open for public viewing today. The communist government destroyed several ancient buildings around Red Square, including the Resurrection Gate and chapel, to make space for and to allow easy tank access to the demonstrations and military parades that were often held in the area. The current Resurrection Gate and chapel are replicas that were built in the 1990s. Red Square's most impressive military parade involved the gathering of thousands of Russian soldiers ready to march to war against the
Nazis in 1941; it was also the site of many parades during the Cold War.
The word 'red' doesn't apply to the colour of the brickwork, neither is it a reference to communism. The meaning of the word 'krasny' originally meant 'beautiful' in Old Russian, referring to St Basil's Cathedral at the southern end, but over the centuries the word changed to mean 'red' too, thus the square's present name. St Basil's Cathedral is the city's most well-known building and is crowned by the bulbous multi-coloured domes for which it is so famous.
Getting there: Metro stop Ploshchad Revolutsii.
Address: Red Square, Moscow, Russia.
St Basil's Cathedral
Moscow
Opening time: The museum is open 11am to 5pm in winter, and 10am to 7pm in summer.
St Basil's Cathedral stands on the edge of Moscow's Red Square, and is the most famous landmark in Russia. Its striking design was commissioned by Ivan the Terrible to commemorate his victorious military campaign against the Tartar Mongols at Kazan in 1552. Legend has it that Ivan was so overwhelmed by its beauty that he had the architect blinded to prevent him from creating anything to rival it. St Basil's Cathedral includes a central chapel surrounded by eight tower-like chapels, each crowned with a different coloured and uniquely patterned onion-shaped dome. The church escaped demolition many times during the city's turbulent history and with the beginning of the Soviet regime the cathedral was closed and later turned into a museum. The interior is a dimly lit maze of corridors and delicately decorated chapels. One of them houses a priceless, icon-decorated 16th century screen that shields the inner sanctuary. In comparison to the exquisite exterior, the interior can
seem disappointing, but there is no question St Basil's is worth exploring.
Getting there: Metro stop Kitai Gorod.
Address: Red Square, Moscow, Russia.
Telephone: +7 495 698 3304
Bolshoi Opera and Ballet Theatre
Moscow
Opening time: 11am-8pm
Admission: Ticket prices for performances vary.
Moscow's oldest and most famous theatre, the Bolshoi, dates from 1824 and is home to world-renowned opera and ballet companies. Completely rebuilt after a fire in 1856, the grand building is a masterpiece of Russian neoclassicism, including an eight-columned entrance porch topped by the horse-drawn chariot of Apollo, patron of the arts. The glittering five-tiered interior is richly adorned with red velvet furnishings, ornate gold detailing and chandeliers, and the size of the auditorium makes it one of the largest theatres in the world. The Bolshoi Theatre has hosted some of the world's most celebrated premieres, including Swan Lake, Spartacus, and concerts by Richard Wagner. Attending an evening performance at the Bolshoi Opera and Ballet Theatre constitutes one of Moscow's best nights out.
Getting there: Metro stop Teatralnaya.
Address: Theatre Square, 1, Moskva, Russia.
Telephone: +7 495 455 5555
Website: http://www.bolshoi.ru/en
Email Address: sales@bolshoi.ru
Tretyakov Gallery
Moscow
Opening time: Tuesday, Wednesday, and Sunday: 10am to 6pm. Thursday, Friday, Saturday: 10am to 9pm.
Admission: Adults: RUB 500. Minors enter for free.
The Tretyakov Gallery houses some of the great masterpieces of traditional Russian art from before the Revolution and has the world's finest collection of Russian icons from the 11th to the 17th-centuries. The gallery's collection of paintings, graphics and sculptures covers Russian art from the 18th to the 20th century. The gallery was named after its founder, Pavel Tretyakov, an art collector who donated about 2,000 works of art from his private collection to the city of Moscow, forming the basis of the collection to which state acquisitions were later added. He also donated his own house, which became the original site of the art gallery. Two separate buildings at different locations house the works selected for display.
Getting there: Take to metro to the Tretyakovskaya metro stop, and walk for 317 yards (290m).
Address: Lavrushinsky Ln, 10, Moscow, Russia.
Telephone: +7 495 957 07 01
Website: http://www.tretyakovgallery.ru/en
Email Address: tretyakov@tretyakov.ru
The Winter Palace and the Hermitage Museum
St Petersburg
Opening time: Wednesday, Friday: 10.30am to 9pm. Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday: 10.30am to 6pm.
Admission: Full access ticket: RUB 700.
The magnificent green, white and gold Winter Palace is superbly situated on the banks of the Neva River. At 656 foot-long (200m), the Russian Baroque building is the biggest and most lavishly decorated palace in the city. It was the official residence of the tsars, and Catherine the Great later added the Small and Large Hermitages onto the palace as a sanctuary for herself and her private art collection. The Hermitage Museum comprises a stately complex of buildings strung along the embankment, with the Winter Palace at its heart. The Hermitage Museum is one of the world's greatest art museums, with a collection that has grown from the paintings of Catherine the Great in 1764 to a collection of more than three million pieces. This vast collection is housed within the sumptuous splendour of one of the most luxurious palaces in the world. The three floors cover a full range of world art from ancient times, to Russian works and 20th-century European examples, as well as a
fabulous collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings, set against the rich interior of white marble staircases, golden ceilings, crystal chandeliers, and elaborate mosaics.
Getting there: Take the metro to Admiralteyskaya Station.
Address: Palace Embankment, 32, Sankt-Peterburg, Russia.
Telephone: +7 812 710 9079
Website: http://www.hermitagemuseum.org
Email Address: chancery@hermitage.ru
Yasnaya Polyana
Moscow
Opening time: Tuesday to Sunday: 9am to 8pm.
Admission: Admission is RUB 100. A guided tour is RUB 350 on weekdays and RUB 400 on weekends. Students and senior citizens are entitled to a RUB 50 discount for admission and for tours.
Located 120 miles (193km) from Moscow, Yasnaya Polyana is the estate where Leo Tolstoy was born in 1828. In 1921, the property became a memorial to the celebrated author of War and Peace and Anna Karenina, and contains a museum with his personal effects, including an extensive library of nearly 22,000 volumes. Nearly a century later, the museum is still run by Tolstoy's descendants. Tolstoy spent 60 years living at Yasnaya Polyana with his family, and all of his 13 children were born there (although four died young). He founded a working farm and children's school on the estate, and is buried in an area called the Forest of the Old Order (so called because it was forbidden to cut down trees there).
Getting there: Buses are available from Moscow, stopping in the nearby town of Tula.
Address: Yasnaya Polyana, Tula Oblast, Russia.
Telephone: +7 487 517 6073
Website: http://www.yasnayapolyana.ru
Email Address: ypmuseum@gmail.com
Palace Square
St Petersburg
Palace Square is the main square of St Petersburg and one of the world's most magnificent plazas. It contains the picturesque Baroque buildings of the Winter Palace and Hermitage Museum on one side and the Classical yellow and white former General Staff buildings of the Russian army on the other. The focal point of the square is the Alexander Column, a tall monolith of red granite topped by the statue of an angel and a cross, dedicated to Russian military victory in the Napoleonic wars. Palace Square has been the site of numerous political protests, most notably the demonstrations of Bloody Sunday in 1905 that started the first Russian Revolution. Today the square, with its beautiful views of the Admiralty's golden spire and the dome of St Isaac's Cathedral across the vast stone paving, is filled with markets, outdoor cafes and the sound of horse-drawn carriages.
Address: Palace Square, Sankt-Peterburg, Russia.
Nevsky Prospekt
St Petersburg
Almost three miles (5km) long, Nevsky Prospekt is one of the best-known streets in Russia and is the main thoroughfare of St Petersburg. The Nevsky Prospekt starts at the Admiralty building whose gilded spire is a famous city landmark, passes the Moscow Railway Station and the Alexandr Nevsky Monastery, where some of the country's most celebrated artists are buried. Nevsky Prospekt has been the hub of St Petersburg for centuries and cuts through the most important segment of the city. Intersected by rivers and canals, the most beautiful part of the avenue surrounds the Griboyedov Canal. Here the impressive colonnade of the grand Kazan Cathedral catches the eye, curving around a small grassy square opposite the breathtaking, multi-coloured onion domes of the 'Church of Our Saviour on the Spilled Blood' - which is officially called the Resurrection of Christ Church. Modelled on St Basil's Cathedral in Moscow and adorned with exquisite mosaic panels, the church is one of St
Petersburg's most striking landmarks. It was built on the site of the assassination of Emperor Alexander II in 1881.
As well as many churches, the street boasts St Petersburg's finest shops and restaurants, old manors and impressive buildings, and a beautiful mixture of architectural styles from the different periods of its history. If you walk down only one road in St Petersburg make it the Nevsky Prospekt.
Website: http://www.nevsky-prospekt.com
St Isaac's Cathedral
St Petersburg
The golden dome of St Isaac's Cathedral dominates the skyline of St Petersburg, with the colonnade around the cupola offering superb panoramic views over the city. It was commissioned by Tsar Alexander I to be a magnificent imperial cathedral, and the ensuing masterpiece was of grandiose proportions, taking more than 40 years to build. It was decorated in the most extravagant manner. The Russian Classic exterior encloses a splendid interior adorned with red granite columns, exquisite mosaics, painted ceilings, sculptures, frescoes, and a beautiful stained-glass window, incorporating many different kinds of stone and marble work into the massive structure. The cathedral can accommodate 14,000 worshippers, but today services are held here only on special occasions. It is worth noting that no photography or filming is allowed in either the Cathedral or the Colonnade.
Getting there: Take a metro trip to Admiralteyskaya station.
Address: St Isaac's Square, 4, St Petersburg, Russia.
Telephone: +7 812 315 9732
Website: eng.cathedral.ru
Email Address: office@cathedral.ru
Peter and Paul Fortress
St Petersburg
Opening time: 10am to 4pm, Thursday to Tuesday.
Admission: Between RUB 100 and RUB 500.
Situated across the river from The Hermitage Museum, and on a small island on the Neva Delta, the Peter and Paul Fortress is the oldest surviving building in St Petersburg. Planned by Peter the Great as a defence against possible attacks from the Swedes, the fortress never served its original purpose as the Swedish were defeated before its completion, and the six bastions at its corners were turned into high security political prison cells. The notorious dungeons held many famous people, including Alexei (the son of Peter the Great), Trotsky, and Gorky, and is now a museum. Other buildings in the fortress house the City History Museum and the Mint. The midday gun is fired every day from the roof, echoing around the city from across the water. Also enclosed within the imposing walls is the Cathedral of St Peter and St Paul, its distinctive golden needle-like spire visible throughout the city. The first church in the city to be built from stone, it has a richly decorated
interior containing the tombs of every Russian Emperor since Peter the Great.
Getting there: Gorkoskaya metro stop, and then a five to seven minute walk.
Address: St Petersburg, Russia.
Website: http://www.spbmuseum.ru
Poklonnaya Hill
Moscow
Poklonnaya Hill means 'bow hill', and lies in the west part of Moscow. Historically, is was a spot for Western visitors to pay homage to the city before entering. Today it is a beacon to Russia's military strength, having withstood invasions by both Napoleon and Hitler. Atop the hill is Victory Park which provides a scenic walk and contains a memorial Mosque and Synagogue for victims of the war, and an open air museum dedicated to the victory over Napoleon. There are many tanks and other wartime vehicles on display in Victory Park, along with several impressive monuments and statues. History buffs will love exploring the many attractions of Poklonnaya Hill and Victory Park, and even those not interested in military history will enjoy the art and the views.
Getting there: Disembark from the Metro at Park Pobedy.
Address: Moscow, Russia.
Telephone: +7 499 148 8300
Website: http://www.poklonnaya-gora.ru/en
Email Address: info@poklonnaya-gora.ru
Cathedral of Christ the Saviour
Moscow
After Napoleon retreated from Russia, Tsar Alexander I declared that a cathedral be built in remembrance of the soldiers who had died defending Mother Russia. The original cathedral took more than 40 years to build. Decades later the cathedral was demolished by Stalin (who found the monument abhorrent) to make way for the colossal Palace of the Soviets, intended to be a symbol of Russian Communism, which was never actually built. The Cathedral of Christ the Saviour was rebuilt again, on the same site, between 1990 and 2000 as a faithful duplicate of the original. It is currently one of the largest and tallest Orthodox Churches in the world. The contemporary Russian artwork, statues and memorials to the Russian Tsars, as well as a small indoor museum, are well worth a look.
Address: Ulitsa Volkhonka, 15, Moskva, Russia.
Website: http://www.xxc.ru/
Borodino Panorama Museum
Moscow
Opening time: Saturday to Wednesday: 10am-6pm. Thursday: 10am-9pm. Closed on Fridays.
The battle of Borodino is regarded as the bloodiest of the Napoleonic battles, seeing over 70,000 casualties in a single day and leading Napoleon to brand the Russians as 'invincible'. The Borodino Panorama Museum was inaugurated in 1960 and serves as an exhibit of artefacts and displays from the Napoleonic wars, with a collection of wartime memorabilia on one level and the enormous panorama on another. The panorama referred to in the name is, incidentally, not an outdoor view but a 360º painting by Franz Roubaud depicting a crucial moment in the battle itself. The mural is 115 meters long and 15 meters high. The museum will delight military history buffs, but should also impress the uninitiated. Those with smartphones can download the museum's interesting audio guide, helped along by free wifi.
Getting there: The Museum can be walked to from Metros Park Pobedy and Kutuzovskaya, respectively.
Address: Kutuzovsky Prospect, 38, bld. 1, Moscow, Russia.
Telephone: +7 499 148 1967
Website: http://www.1812panorama.ru/english.html
Moscow Metro
Moscow
Opening time: Daily 5:30am to 1am.
Taken together, Moscow's Metro stations amount to the most beautiful public transport facility in the world. Visitors to Moscow should not miss taking a ride on this glorious underground rail system, and exploring the stations. Each one has its own, distinct aesthetic, variously adorned with Realist artworks, chandeliers, ornate pillars and marble floors. Moscow's Metro caters to something like two and half billion passenger rides per year, making it one of the busiest underground metro systems in the world. Despite this, the stations are more akin to palaces or five-star hotel lobbies rather than functional spaces. The depth of the elevators is also astounding. Most travellers will encounter the Metro system for practical reasons, but many will find that they choose to spend more time than necessary underground! There are nearly 200 stations but some of the most beautiful and ornate are Kiyevskaya, Dostoyevskaya, Prospekt Mira, Mayakovskaya and Ploshchad Revolyutsii.
Address: The Moscow Metro covers most of the city.
Website: engl.mosmetro.ru
Agura Waterfalls
Sochi
Also known as Agursky, the Agura Waterfalls are one of the most famous tourist attractions in Sochi. Located just outside the city, these majestic waterfalls cascade from a height of 98 feet (30m) and are a popular stop off along hiking trails that wind through the forest along the Agura Ravine in the Sochi National Park. At the Eagle's Rocks, hikers can enjoy the view of the crystal clear waterfalls crashing down to the oval pool below and admire the panoramic views over the city and Black Sea. Swimming is allowed and a very popular activity in the warmer months. It is possible to organise tours to the waterfalls, but also easy to seek them out independently.
Matsesta Spa
Sochi
Matsesta is a micro-district in Sochi, on the Black Sea coast, primarily renowned as a health resort. Matsesta, meaning 'fiery water', has harnessed the powers of the hot sulphur springs that have become synonymous with Sochi and become the city's most renowned health spa district. The water from the hot springs naturally contains more than 27 types of minerals and is used to treat people with respiratory and cardiac problems, though it is also perfect for simple relaxation. Featuring a number of different spa facilities which all have bathing rooms, massage tables and inhalation cubicles, Matsesta Spa is a major tourist attraction and a big draw card for travellers to the region.
Golden Ring
Moscow
Consisting of a circuit of historic cities northeast of Moscow, the Golden Ring is a popular tourist route for travellers in Russia. The cities are popular for their distinctive architecture (recognizable for the uniquely-Russian onion-shaped domes and colourful ornamentation), and their tradition of handmade craftsmanship, offering tourists a good opportunity to buy beautiful Russian souvenirs. The official list of towns in the Golden Ring includes Ivanovo, Kostroma, Pereslavl-Zalessky, Rostov Veliky, Sergiev Posad, Suzdal, Vladimir, and Yaroslavl. They are all spaced close enough to each other (and to Moscow and St Petersburg) to reach on horseback within 24 hours, making them ideal for a driving tour. The cities are fairly similar, so it is not necessary to visit them all, and most travellers choose to see only four or five. One city that should not be missed, however, is Sergiev Posad, the centre of the Russian Orthodox Church and home to the impressive Sergiev Posad
Monastery. Suzdal is another highlight on any Golden Ring tour, home of the St.Euthymius Monastery and the enormous Spaso-Evfimiev Monastery, which houses 10 museums and is nearly as impressive as St Basil's in Moscow.
Dagomys
Sochi
Located just outside of Sochi, the small village of Dagomys is a popular holiday resort on the Black Sea. The former haunt of Russian nobility in the 19th century, the holiday residence of Tsar Nicholas II is still standing and travellers can play royalty by spending a night there as it is now a large hotel. The scenic village boasts lovely pebble beaches, which are set against the dramatic backdrop of the Caucasus Mountains, and visitors can tour local tea plantations and the mineral springs of Matsesta. Dagomys is also a paradise for outdoor activities, including hiking and bird-watching in the Dendrarium Botanical Gardens. Summers in Dagomys are noticeably cooler than in other coastal areas due to mountain air currents, earning the village its name, which means 'a cool and shady place' in the Adyghe language. While Dagomys is not as lively as nearby Sochi, the resort's quiet and relaxing atmosphere makes for a great weekend getaway.
Website: http://www.dagomys.ru/
Dombai
Sochi
One of the more popular ski resorts in the Caucasus region, Dombai is a scenic mountain valley located at the confluence of three rivers, 37 miles (60km) from the Black Sea coast. Famous for its pure air, Dombai is frequented mostly by Russian holidaymakers, lending it a unique and lively atmosphere and preserving the town's authentic character. The facilities at Dombai are old and fairly worn, but there is a tourist complex comprising hotels and a recreation and sports centre. Five lifts and three ski trackers operate on a pay-as-you-go riding system serving varied pistes (tracks) that cater for all levels of skiers. The gentle slopes near the top of the mountain are better suited to beginners, as the incline becomes very steep toward the bottom.
Gelendzhik
Sochi
The laidback seaside resort of Gelendzhik has been around for several millennia, having been founded as a Greek outpost around 64 BC. The town is set along a curving bay with calm pebble beaches that are ideal for swimming and watersports, and land-based activities like horseback riding, quad biking and hiking. Gelendzhik is best known for its spa and waterparks, and there is a cable car line specially built for tourists to take in the scenic views from the top of the mountain. A new airport opened in 2010, making it easy to get to Gelendzhik from Moscow and St Petersburg.
Krasnaya Polyana
Sochi
Set 1,968 feet (600m) above sea level, Krasnaya Polyana, ('red meadow') is fast becoming the most popular ski resort in Russia. Skiers and snowboarders in Krasnaya Polyana can enjoy magnificent panoramic views of the West Caucasus. Located just 25 miles (40km) from Sochi and the Black Sea coast, Krasnaya Polyana is sometimes called the 'Russian Courchevel" for its well-groomed pistes (tracks), good après-ski nightlife, and high prices. The resort owes much of its popularity to its excellent heliskiing opportunities, but there are also good runs for beginners. The resort underwent massive renovations ahead of the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi. Olympic facilities located in Krasnaya Polyana include the Russian National Sliding Centre (luge, bobsleigh, and skeleton), Psekhako Ridge (biathlon, cross-country skiing, and Nordic combined), Roza Khutor Alpine Resort (Alpine skiing and snowboarding), Alpika Service Mountain Resort (freestyle skiing), and Russian National Ski-jumping
Centre (ski jumping and Nordic Combined).
Arkhangelskoye Palace
Moscow
Opening time: Weekdays: 10am to 5pm. Weekends: 10am to 6pm.
Admission: Admission costs vary widely based on areas viewed. Pricing can be found on the official website.
The Arkhangelskoye Estate, just outside Moscow, is an old aristocratic estate home that has been a museum since the fall of the Russian tsars in 1917. It was built in 1703, featuring classical and neo-classical design elements. The estate is composed of various buildings including the main palace, a smaller palace called Caprice, a church, and a theatre. Beautifully decorated interiors can be found throughout, augmented by a very impressive collection of art. Unlike many other old aristocratic Russian estates, Arkhangelskoye is in very good condition as special, dedicated efforts have been made in recent years to ensure its upkeep. The estate is easily reached by train, a 30-minute journey from the Yaroslavsky train station in the west of Moscow. In the summer and early autumn, all of the buildings are open for viewing. Visitors are welcome to explore the grounds and can bring picnics to enjoy in the gardens. There are also usually several music concerts hosted by the
estate throughout the summer months.
While still beautiful and worth a visit during the winter, the gardens are obviously not much of a sight, and some of the buildings are occasionally closed in the winter.
Getting there: The estate is accessible by both bus and train out of Moscow.
Address: Arkhangelskoye, Moscow Oblast, Russia, 143420.
Telephone: +7 498 568-95-80
Website: http://www.arhangelskoe.su/
Pavlovsk Palace
St Petersburg
Opening time: 10am-6pm, Monday-Sunday.
The Pavlovsk Palace lies about 19 miles (31km) outside St Petersburg, and is one of the smaller and more restrained of the palaces located in and around St Petersburg. It was built in 1780 by Catherine II's son, Paul (the future Emperor Paul I) and was designed by the Scottish architect Charles Cameron and his assistant, Vincenzo Brenna, and included landscaped gardens in the British style. The palace was turned into a museum after Russia's 1917 revolution, but was almost entirely destroyed during World War II. Following the war, the palace's old furnishings and artwork were tracked down and the palace was beautifully restored. Today the palace is once again a museum open to the public, displaying rooms furnished and decorated exactly as they were when occupied by the Russian royalty. The extensive grounds are beautifully kept and are available to visitors for strolling and picnicking. Visitors can reach the palace by train from St Petersburg, a short journey that showcases
a little of the lovely Russian countryside.
Address: Sadovaya ul., 20, Pavlovsk, Sankt-Peterburg, Russia.
Tsarskoe Selo
St Petersburg
Tsarskoe Selo ('Tsar's Village') is a former Romanov summer residence located about 15 miles (25km) outside of St Petersburg. The estate was originally a gift from Peter the Great to his wife Catherine I, and over the course of many years it was developed by different emperors and empresses. The Baroque Catherine Palace and the neoclassical Alexander Palace are the main buildings on the estate. The Catherine Palace has been kept in much better condition than the Alexander Palace, although both palaces are well worth a visit. The Catherine Palace houses the famous Amber Room, which is panelled entirely with pieces of amber and filled with amber artwork. The palaces' grounds are extensive and contain many surprising small buildings added purely for visual effect, notably the so-called Chinese Village in the Alexander Palace's gardens. The Cameron Gallery, a small building designed by the Scottish architect James Cameron in the 1780's, houses widely varied temporary
exhibitions.
Tsarskoe Selo is an easy train-ride from St Petersburg's Vitebsk train station followed by a short bus ride to the palace gates, all of which should take no more than 30 minutes if there is no traffic. It is an extremely popular spot in the summer months and queues as well as traffic can get very bad, so it's a good idea to arrive early.
Trans-Siberian Railway
Russian Far East
The Trans-Siberian Railway is one of the most famous of the world's great train journeys, a six-day trip covering 5,869 miles (9,446km) and eight time zones from Moscow in Europe to Vladivostok on the Asian Pacific Coast. It is the longest continuous railway on earth and is the best way to experience the vast expanse of Russia, passing small isolated farmhouses and pastoral lands, churches and brightly painted log-cabin settlements, rolling hills and forests, steppes, rivers and lakes.
The train only stops briefly several times a day, but it is possible to arrange a stopover at any of the main cities or towns along the way. After the appealing city of Irkutsk, the 'capital of Siberia', the route passes the magnificent Lake Baikal, with a surface area as large as Belgium and the Netherlands combined, and pure, crystal-clear waters that are the deepest in the world. This is the most attractive part of the journey, running along the shores of the 25-million-year-old lake and passing through numerous tunnels blasted into the cliffs, beneath arches and over bridges. Vladivostok, the final destination, with its picturesque hills overlooking the impressive natural harbour, is Russia's major international trading port, and is a lively and interesting city.
The Trans-Siberian Railway was started in 1891 to link the western cities in European Russia to its Far Eastern provinces and the important Pacific port of Vladivostok. It took 26 years to build and remains one of the most outstanding engineering achievements of its time. Other popular routes are branches of the Trans-Siberian Railway, the Trans-Mongolian or Trans-Manchurian railways, which travel from Moscow to Beijing.
Fishing
For keen adventurers, fishing in Russia means exploring vast forested areas in search of lakes, rivers and streams. The best fishing regions are thinly inhabited, even by fishermen, but dense with wildlife. The region of choice depends on what type of fishing visitors prefer.
In the far northwest, the Kola Peninsula and its famed Ponoi River is a known destination for top Atlantic salmon fishing. It has many miles of fishable river and great camps and lodges along the way. The Kamchatka Peninsula stretches out the other side of Russia into the Pacific and is an ideal place for fly-fishing, with rainbow trout, Arctic char, grayling and Pacific salmon all available. Flights from Anchorage Alaska have opened these streams to more business but visitors can still be assured that they will see few people and have little to no competition. Camps transfer anglers (via helicopter) to favoured fishing spots that are usually kept secret.
Farther into the Pacific is Sakhalin Island, stretching from the continent 589 miles (950km) to Japan. Float trips take fishermen past days of wilderness to do battle with the Sakhalin taimen, the strong and battle-ready prize of Russian catches (anglers should note that Sakhalin taimen are now critically endangered and should take care to learn about the legality and ethics of fishing for these fascinating creatures). The island is also reachable from Korea.
Volga River Cruises
A romantic and relaxing way to see some of the most interesting cities in Russia, river cruises on the Volga are an increasingly popular activity on any Russian holiday. In fact, Volga River cruises are consistently ranked among the world's best river cruises.
Volga River cruises generally spend several nights in Moscow and St Petersburg, giving passengers the chance to explore those fascinating cities. While some shorter cruises stay in the north, there are others, including 14-day itineraries, which travel all the way down the Volga River to Astrakhan, near the Caspian Sea. Along the way, passengers stop in various ports and are given time to explore cities. Many of the cruise ships also offer on-board entertainment such as historical lectures and traditional folk music and dance performances.
Other towns visited by Volga River cruises include Uglich, Yaroslavl, Nizhniy Novgorod, Cheboksary, Kazan, Samara, Saratov, Volgograd (formerly Stalingrad), Goritzy, Kizhi Island, and Mandrogi. River cruises operate on the Volga during the summer months from May to September.
Public Holidays in Russia
| |
2020 |
2021 |
| Orthodox Christmas Day |
Tue. January 7 |
Tue. January 7 |
| New Year’s Holidays |
Wed. January 1 to Mon. January 6 |
Wed. January 1 to Mon. January 6 |
| Defender of the Fatherland Day |
Sun. February 23 |
Sun. February 23 |
| International Women’s Day |
Sat. March 8 |
Sat. March 8 |
| Labour Day |
Thu. May 1 |
Thu. May 1 |
| Victory Day |
Fri. May 9 |
Fri. May 9 |
| Russia Day |
Thu. June 12 |
Thu. June 12 |
| Unity Day |
Tue. November 4 |
Tue. November 4 |
