Located in Eastern Europe and Northern Asia, Russia is the largest country in the world. Making up for over 7% of the world’s mass, it’s not surprise that the country has a rich history and an incredible diversity of landscapes, climates cultures and cultures. 

Why Visit Russia

HISTORY & ARCHITECTURE

Russian history dates back thousands of years ago, starting with the occupation of our early ancestors. Vikings, mongols and many other cultures followed, creating a fascinating but complex history. Its architecture serve as a reminder of all these times, with many iconic monuments like the St. Basil’s Cathedral, the wooden architecture in Kizhi Pogost, the picturesque town of Irkutsk, in between others.

LANDSCAPES & NATURE

Russia boosts a huge amount of diverse and untouched nature. Stretching across multiple time zones and climates, its landscapes varies from desert to frozen coastlines, tall mountains, volcanic moonscapes, beaches, pines forest and more, with a total of 26 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This diversity allows wildlife to thrive, being home 48 unique endangered species.

VODKA

Many people don’t actually know this, but Vodka was actually invented in Poland. However, russians took it as theirs, improved it and made it part of their culture, making in one of the most popular spirits in the world. Visitors can immerse themselves in vodka tastings, learn about the history of this iconic drink, and explore the vodka museums in cities like Moscow and St. Petersburg. 

CULTURAL DIVERSITY

Russia is a diverse and multicultural country, with more than 190 ethnic groups and a wealth of cultural traditions. Visitors can witness vibrant folk dances, listen to traditional music, and explore the unique customs of different regions. From the indigenous cultures of Siberia to the rich folklore of the Caucasus, Russia offers a rich tapestry of cultural experiences. 

Russia postcars

Located in Eastern Europe and Northern Asia, Russia is the largest country in the world. Making up for over 7% of the world’s mass, it’s not surprise that the country has a rich history and an incredible diversity of landscapes, climates cultures and cultures. 

Russia postcars

Why Visit Russia

HISTORY & ARCHITECTURE

Russian history dates back thousands of years ago, starting with the occupation of our early ancestors. Vikings, mongols and many other cultures followed, creating a fascinating but complex history. Its architecture serve as a reminder of all these times, with many iconic monuments like the St. Basil’s Cathedral, the wooden architecture in Kizhi Pogost, the picturesque town of Irkutsk, in between others.

LANDSCAPES & NATURE

Russia boosts a huge amount of diverse and untouched nature. Stretching across multiple time zones and climates, its landscapes varies from desert to frozen coastlines, tall mountains, volcanic moonscapes, beaches, pines forest and more, with a total of 26 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This diversity allows wildlife to thrive, being home 48 unique endangered species.

VODKA

Many people don’t actually know this, but Vodka was actually invented in Poland. However, russians took it as theirs, improved it and made it part of their culture, making in one of the most popular spirits in the world. Visitors can immerse themselves in vodka tastings, learn about the history of this iconic drink, and explore the vodka museums in cities like Moscow and St. Petersburg. 

CULTURAL DIVERSITY

Russia is a diverse and multicultural country, with more than 190 ethnic groups and a wealth of cultural traditions. Visitors can witness vibrant folk dances, listen to traditional music, and explore the unique customs of different regions. From the indigenous cultures of Siberia to the rich folklore of the Caucasus, Russia offers a rich tapestry of cultural experiences. 

Bucket List

What to expect

LANGUAGE

Russia’s official language is Russian, spoken by the majority of the population. It is a Slavic language with its own unique alphabet. English is not widely spoken in all areas, particularly in rural regions, so it can be helpful to have some knowledge of basic Russian phrases or carry a translation guide when traveling.

Russian is the official language in Russia. Younger generations might speak a little bit of English, but this is not the case for the majority of the population, especially in remote areas.

ELECTRICITY

In the Russia the standard voltage is 220V and the frequency is 50 Hz. That’s the standard voltage in the UK, Europe, Australia and most of Asia and Africa; If you are traveling from the US you will need an adaptor.

CURRENCY

The Rouble is the official currency in Russia. Other foreign currencies might be accepted at major hotels and tourist attractions but not anywhere else. You are able to exchange your currency at the airport, banks, exchange houses or withdraw directly from the ATM. Credit cards are widely accepted and ATM’s are widely available (except for remote areas). 1 USD equals 72 roubles (as of 2023).

CLIMATE

Russia stretches along many different climate zones, with different landforms and altitudes. In general, the country has 4 seasons, with hot dry summers (ranging 52°F- 86°F / 11°C- 30°C) and very very cold winters (ranging 2°F- 15°F / -9°C- 16°C) .

SAFETY

In general, Russia is a safe country to travel to, especially is you are visiting the big cities, where law enforcement presence is everywhere. Petty crime such as pickpocketing are still very common, which is no different to any other tourist destination. It is recommended to avoid empty areas at night, and be mindful when visiting the border with Ukraine.

How to get around

Getting around Russia offers various transportation options to explore its vast expanse. Here are some ways to navigate the country:

  • Air Travel: Russia has an extensive network of airports, with major cities well-connected by domestic flights. Traveling by plane is an efficient option for covering long distances between regions.
  • Train Travel: Trains are an iconic and popular mode of transportation in Russia. The Trans-Siberian Railway, spanning over 9,000 kilometers, provides a scenic and unforgettable journey across the country. There are also numerous train routes connecting major cities, offering comfort and the opportunity to witness the diverse landscapes.
  • Metro: Moscow and St. Petersburg have efficient and extensive metro systems, making it easy to navigate within these cities. The metro networks are well-developed, with frequent trains and stations conveniently located near major attractions.
  • Bus: Buses are a common mode of transportation for shorter distances and reaching destinations not served by trains. They connect cities and towns across the country, offering a cost-effective option for travel.
  • Domestic Flights: If you plan to explore remote regions or areas not accessible by train, domestic flights provide a convenient way to reach those destinations.
  • Car Rental: Renting a car gives you the flexibility to explore at your own pace, especially when visiting rural areas or smaller towns. It’s important to familiarize yourself with the local traffic rules and road conditions.
  • River Cruises: Russia’s vast network of rivers, such as the Volga, offer scenic river cruises that allow you to experience the country from a different perspective. These cruises often pass through historic cities and offer a unique way to explore.

It’s advisable to plan your itinerary in advance, considering the vastness of Russia and the distances between cities. Depending on your travel preferences, budget, and time available, you can choose a combination of transportation modes to make the most of your journey throughout Russia.

Visa Policy

Travelers who are nationals of the following 60 nations are not required to obtain a visa prior to visit Russia, except for citizens of Belarus and South Ossetia, who have the right to unlimited visa-free entry to Russia.

(90 days): Abkhazia , Armenia , Azerbaijan , Kazakhstan , Kyrgyzstan , Estonia, Latvia, Moldova , Tajikistan , Ukraine , Uzbekistan , Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Fji, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras,Israel, Jamaica, Maldives, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Qatar, Saint Kitts and Nevis , Saint Vincent and the Grenadines South Africa,Suriname, United Arab Emirates, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Venezuela.

(60 days): Mauritius, Samoa, North Korea.

(30 days): Bosnia and Herzegovina , Botswana, Laos, Macao, Mongolia, Montenegro, Palau, Serbia, Seychelles, Thailand, North Macedonia.

(14 days): Brunei, Hong Kong, Nauru.

Citizens of all the remaining countries will need to apply for a visa in advance through the russian embassy.

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