Russia, the world’s largest country, attracts travelers with its deep history, vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality. Its diverse regions and artistic heritage make it a truly fascinating destination for every explorer. As a result, tourism in Russia continues to grow steadily.
Moscow and Saint Petersburg, the present and former capitals, stand out as two of the most popular places to visit. These cities offer countless attractions, and choosing the right spots becomes important when time is limited. To help you plan better, here are some of the best things to do in Russia and the top attractions you shouldn’t miss.
Red square
Red Square, the most famous square in Moscow, lies at the heart of the city and reflects Russia’s rich history and culture. In old Russian, the word “red” meant “beautiful,” which gives the square its symbolic and meaningful name.
Since 1990, Red Square has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Moreover, it is home to several iconic landmarks, including St. Basil’s Cathedral, the Kremlin Wall, the Iberian Gate, Lenin’s Mausoleum, the State Historical Museum, and the Statue of Minin and Pozharsky.
Kremlin Square
The Kremlin, a historic architectural masterpiece, stands at the heart of Moscow. To the south flows the Moskva River, while Red Square and St. Basil’s Cathedral sit to the east and Alexander Garden lies to the west. The entire complex is surrounded by 2.25 kilometers of fortified walls, giving it a striking presence.
The site covers 27 hectares and includes the churches of Cathedral Square, the Ivan the Great Bell Tower, the Assumption Belfry, the Patriarch Palace, the Armoury Museum, the State Kremlin Palace, the Grand Kremlin Palace, and the Presidential Residence. In addition, travelers can enjoy one of the best panoramic views of the Kremlin from Sofiyskaya Naberezhnaya across the Moskva River.
St. Basil Cathedral
St. Basil’s Cathedral stands on the southern side of Red Square and is one of Russia’s most iconic landmarks. Its vivid colors, striking patterns, and unique domes make it instantly recognizable. Ivan the Terrible built it in 1561 to celebrate a major victory, and legend claims he later blinded the architects so no other design could surpass it.
The cathedral features a central tower surrounded by eight domes, each with a distinct style. Although the original structure had wooden walls, it was later rebuilt in stone during the reign of Catherine the Great. As a result, the cathedral gained the vibrant appearance visitors admire today.
Seven Sisters
The Seven Sisters are a group of seven striking skyscrapers in Moscow, built after 1947 to celebrate the city’s 800th anniversary. Stalin initiated the project, and today these towers stand across different parts of the city, instantly recognized for their distinctive “wedding cake” design.
Officially known as vysotki, the Seven Sisters include Hotel Ukraina, the main building of Moscow State University, the Hilton Moscow Leningradskaya Hotel, the Kudrinskaya Square Building, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs building, the Kotelnicheskaya Embankment apartments, and the Red Gates Administrative Building.
Arbat Street
Arbat Street is one of Moscow’s most popular pedestrian streets and a must-see stop on any city tour. It stretches for about one kilometer from Arbatskaya Square to Smolenskaya Square and officially became a walking street in 1980.
The area gives visitors a real taste of Russian culture. You’ll find portrait artists, street performers, musicians, souvenir stalls, cafés, and food vendors along the entire route. Moreover, the Arbat Walking Tour includes several notable buildings such as the Kremlin Hospital, the Russian State Library, Morozov’s Mansion, Melnikov’s House, and the U.S. ambassador’s residence.
Savior On Spilled Blood Cathedral
The Savior on Spilled Blood is one of Saint Petersburg’s most breathtaking landmarks. Also called the Church on Spilled Blood or the Cathedral of the Resurrection, it marks the exact location where Emperor Alexander II was fatally wounded in 1881.
Construction began in 1883 and continued until 1907, funded entirely by the imperial family. The church features five colorful domes and a traditional Russian design similar to St. Basil’s Cathedral in Moscow. Inside, more than 7,000 square meters of mosaics create a dazzling display. Although the building suffered neglect during the Soviet era, a major restoration started in the 1970s and continued for nearly 27 years.
Hermitage Museum
The State Hermitage Museum in Saint Petersburg is one of the largest and most important museums in the world. Founded in 1764 by Catherine the Great, it now spans several buildings, including the Small Hermitage, Old Hermitage, New Hermitage, the Winter Palace, and the Hermitage Theatre.
Inside, the museum houses nearly three million artworks and artifacts. Visitors can see masterpieces by Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Rembrandt, Rafael, and Titian. In addition, the General Staff Building features an impressive modern art collection with works by Picasso, Van Gogh, Monet, and Matisse.
Palace Bridge (Dvortsoviy)
Palace Bridge is one of the most iconic landmarks in Saint Petersburg. It links Palace Square, the Winter Palace, and the Hermitage Museum with Vasilievsky Island, making it an essential route for visitors exploring the city. Moreover, the bridge adds charm to the Neva River with its elegant design.
Construction took place between 1912 and 1916 under a French engineering company. As a result, the bascule bridge spans 260 meters across the river and features five distinct sections.
Admiralty building
The Admiralty Building is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Saint Petersburg. It stands at the junction of Nevsky Prospekt, Gorokhovaya Street, and Voznesensky Prospekt, which makes it a central point in the city. Although it once served as the headquarters of the Admiralty Board and the Russian Navy, it now functions as Russia’s largest naval college.
The structure was originally designed as a fortified shipyard, but it later evolved into an elegant Empire-style building. This transformation took place between 1806 and 1823 under architect Andreyan Zakharov. In addition, its famous golden spire is actually made of wood, and a major restoration project started in 1966 to preserve it.
Nevsky Prospekt
Nevsky Prospekt is the most famous street in Saint Petersburg, stretching nearly 4 kilometers from the Admiralty Building to the Alexander Nevsky Monastery. Once a quiet road, it is now one of Russia’s busiest avenues and a must-visit for travelers. Key landmarks along the street include the Stroganov Palace, Kazan Cathedral, Elisseeff Emporium, the Anichkov Bridge, and the Singer House.
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Conclusion
Russia offers a blend of history, culture, and unforgettable experiences, making it a destination worth exploring for every traveler. From iconic landmarks to unique local adventures, this incredible country has something for everyone. For more insights on Russia and its rich heritage, you can also visit the official Russia Tourism website.
