Travelwings

Russia, the largest country in the world is both mysterious and magical spreading its reach across Asia and Europe. Offering every landscape under the sun, Russia has been blessed with everything from the highest mountains, dense forests, deepest lakes to the coldest desert. Historic and architecturally stunning, its era of power and prestige can still be felt in its iconic landmarks. Culturally rich, dynamic and home to two world-class cities, Russia is the great escape you need as a globetrotter.

USEFUL INFO. ABOUT RUSSIA

OFFICIAL NAME: Russian Federation

FORM OF GOVERNMENT: Federation

CAPITAL: Moscow

POPULATION: 146,745,098

OFFICIAL LANGUAGE(S): Russian

LANGUAGES SPOKEN: More than 120 languages are spoken in Russia but English, German, French, and Turkish are the main ones used apart from Russian.

CURRENCY: Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)

ETHINICITY: 81.0% Russian, 3.7% Tatar, 1.4% Ukrainian, 1.2% Armenian, 1.1% Bashkir, 1.0% Chuvash, 11.0% Others/Unspecified

MAP REFERRED: ASIA/EUROPE

AREA: 17,098,246 Square Km

ELEVATION : Highest point is Mount Elbrus; 5,642 m (18,510 ft)

NEIGHBOURING PLACES - Norway, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Belarus, Ukraine, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, China, Mongolia, North Korea, Japan, United States

FAMOUS FOR: Moscow | Siberia | Sochi | Kaza | Grozny | Tatarstan | Krasnodar | Kaliningrad | Yekaterinburg | Novosibirsk | Yakutsk | Makhachkala | Kamchatka | Novorossiysk | Irkutsk | Astrakhan

NATIONAL SYMBOLS: Garuda is the official emblem; it is a coat of arms with the 5 principles of the state - Pancasila, along with its motto "Bhinneka Tunggal Ika."

TIME ZONE: : UTC+2 to +12

DRIVING SIDE: Left

AIRPORTS IN Russia: Russia has 227 operational airports, the busiest ones are: Sheremetyevo (Moscow), Domodedovo (Moscow), Vnukovo (Moscow), Pulkovo (Saint Petersburg), Koltsovo (Yekaterinburg), Tolmachevo (Novosibirsk), Yemelyanovo (Krasnoyarsk), Novy (Khabarovsk), Pashkovsky (Krasnodar), Ufa (Ufa), Sochi (Sochi).

Network / Connectivity

Russia's larger cities such as Moscow have a stable internet infrastructure with affordable services available. Most hotels, restaurants, and commercial spots offer free Wi-Fi, including all airports in Moscow. There's also internet access available in major parks and in metro stations.

If you're worried about the safety of your information over public networks, it is better to either use VPN services or simply use mobile data. You can buy a SIM from an official seller (your passport information will be required); a prepaid SIM can cost about $9 with 15 GB of internet valid for 30 days. The main phone companies are MTS, MegaFon, and Beeline, and their retail outlets are scattered all over the country. Wi-Fi rental devices are also an option with prices starting at about $8/day.

The local currency in Russia is "Rublesâ pronounced rub`li. 1 rouble consists of 100 kopeek. US dollars or Euros are the easiest to convert in Russia with better exchange rates than other foreign currencies. Moscow and St. Petersburg tend to have the best exchange rates compared to other places such as Siberia. You can convert your currency at the airport in Russia, at the ATMs, or go to a local bank. Symbol: â½
Code: RUB

1 United Arab Emirate Dirham = 17.44 Russian Ruble (as on 22nd February 2020).

Rubles notes can be found in denominations of 50, 100, 500, 1000 and 5000.

Coins can be found in denominations of 1, 5, 10 and 50 kopeks / 1, 2, 5 and 10 rubles

Carrying cash is recommended for your transactions when traveling because cards and traveler's cheques will not be accepted by small vendors, or in smaller towns.

Russia's earliest human settlements can be traced back to approximately 500 A.D; Scandinavians and Slavs joined forces to build a fortress later recognized as the city of Kiev (or Kyiv). This influential city was able to establish itself as a power that ruled over most of European Russian for over 2 centuries. Later, it broke up into 3 main areas of Ukraine, Belarus, and Muscovy.

Muscovy's capital was Moscow, a city that served as a small trading post up till the13th century when Mongol invasions drove more people to seek refuge here. In the 1550s, Ivan IV became the first Russian Tsar after eliminating Mongol influence over Kyiv, and uniting the region. The next tsar was Peter the Great, for 42 years he worked hard to drive progress and advancements across Russia proactively.

It was in 1917 that the Russians and their government worked together to overthrow the tsar and establish governance led by an elected government. This could only last a few months because the communist group of Bolsheviks took charge, and their leader Vladimir Lenin formed the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (U.S.S.R.) from Russia and 11 other countries.

The U.S.S.R sided with the United States in WW2, however, the ties weakened after 1945. This consequently led to the Cold War which ended in 1991 when the Soviet Union was dissolved.

Russia is the largest country in the world; stretching 4,000 kilometers from north to south, it has 11 different time zones. It has coasts linked to three oceans: the Atlantic, Pacific, and Arctic. Occupying Eastern Europe and Northern Asia, the terrain experienced is diverse due to Russia's massive size. Marked with deserts, forests, mountains, and vast plains- these are just a few of the geographic characteristics seen depending upon the region.

The Ural Mountains divide the European and Asian sections of Russia, and the Asian Russia covers almost 75% of the country's area. The diverse topography is also home to the world's deepest lake (Baikal), Europe's longest river (the Volga), and Europe's highest mountain. Siberia, a frozen tundra, occupies a mammoth-sized chunk of Russia spreading over three-quarters of the country comprising mostly of sprawling pine forests.

Home to almost 100,000 rivers, Russia's Lake Baikal in Siberia contains more water than any other lake elsewhere. Russia also has a large number of islands such as the island of Novaya Zemlya, Vaigach, a group of islands known as the Severnaya Zemlya, New Siberian Islands, Wrangel Island; in the Pacific Ocean - the Kuril Islands, stretching from Kamchatka to Japan, and Sakhalin.

Arts, Theater and Literature
Ballet is one of Russia's favorite art forms with historic Bolshoi Ballet, a classical company based on Bolshoi Theatre, founded in 1776. Russians have heavily contributed towards music, and famous composers such as Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky are known worldwide for their work including "Swan Lake" and "1812 Overture." What's even more interesting is that clowns are given credit for having founded Russia's theatrical culture in the old days.

The domain of literature stands no exception; the works of writers such as Leon Tolstoy ("Anna Karenina" and "War and Peace"), and Fyodor Dostoevsky ("Crime and Punishment" and "The Brothers Karamazov"), are still being read internationally. The literary heritage of Russia has been translated into many foreign languages to share the tales of the culture with the rest of the world. Despite Russian being the official language, about 100 minority languages being spoken here means the range of literature available is vast and complex.

Arts are not just restricted to performance and theater, Russian nesting dolls known as "Matryoshka Dolls" have earned their distinct identity due to their fascinating designs. A must buy as a memory of your Russia travels, these wooden figurines are pulled apart to reveal smaller versions of the same doll inside the larger models. Usually dressed in traditional costumes, the painting of the Russian girl is very elaborate with bright colors and patterns.

Architecture
The domes of buildings in Russia are onion-shaped with colorfully painted patterns on top. Typically found on church structures, this design is exclusive to Russia. It is speculated that the twist in the domes symbolizes a burning candle or vaults to heaven. Sacred places or sites of religious significance may have them in groups of three to represent the holy trinity in Christianity.

Folklore
The folktales in Russia have been carried forward from one generation to the next; filled with fascinating Slavic myths, it's one of the ways they have kept traditions alive. The folk characters tie in with traditional pagan roots of the land with key characters such as Baba Yaga and Fire-Bird. To date, many folk holidays are celebrated with great zeal, and traditional foods accompany the festivities with street carnivals making the community come together for a party-like feel.

Clothing
Traditional Slavs clothing for men consisted of a loose linen shirt, canvas trousers, and a belt. The belt indicated the "human" aspect of the owner because it was believed that evil spirits did not wear one. Amulets were embroidered onto clothes to protect the owner from the curse of the evil eye.

Women's clothing had even more thought put into; the clothing indicated her geographic roots, marital status, and even age. Traditional outfits typically consisted of a long, plain shirt and a long skirt made of three pieces of cloth stitched together. The hem had intricate patterns embroidered to add color to the garment, and a wool string called a "gashnik" would be used to hold the skirt in place instead of a belt. An apron was also added on top of the skirt with more designs to make the outfits look different from one another.

The Russian culture put thought and signs into the most basic styling aspects. For example, a married woman would wear 1 braid, while a girl of marriageable age would wear two. A widow could wear her hair loose. Unmarried girls also wore brighter outfits, headbands, and scarves, whereas after marriage, the style changed into loose-fitting clothes alongside a more understated styling of clothes and accessories.

Religion
The multi-ethnic composition of Russia means that there are multiple religions being practiced in the country. Almost 75% of Russia follows Christianity through the Russian Orthodox Church, whereas Islam is followed by 5% of the population. There is also the presence of Buddhism, Judaism, Protestantism, and Catholicism.

Cuisine
Russians have a preference for food that is rich, comforting, and a mixture of flavors that have been passed on from generations. Staple ingredients of meals include bread, potatoes, cabbage, carrots, beets, onions, and garlic. There is a strong love for meat; everyday proteins such as sausage, pork, chicken, beef, and fish are affordable and easily available. Blending in influences from Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, Russian recipes are delicious and stand apart from the usual cuisine the western world is known for.

Must-Try Delicacies
"Borscht" is a soup made of beet; originating from Ukraine, it is filled with hearty meat and vegetables that make it particularly satisfying in the colder months. Filled with nourishing carrots, cabbage, onions and potatoes- a spoonful of fresh cream on the top makes it the ultimate feel-good meal. "Shchi" is a famous cabbage soup with similar vegetable ingredients, though the cabbage is sometimes replaced with sauerkraut.

Little puff pastries called Pirozhki are filled to the brim with potatoes, meat, cheese or cabbage- a perfect on-the-go snack available at roadside stalls and bakeries. Dumplings called "Pelmeni" have a strong fan following with their delicious juicy meat wrapped tightly into pasta-like pockets.

Must-Try Drinks
Vodka is the national drink of Russia that is found on the dining table to accompany many family meals. The drink is even infused with lemon or cranberries to celebrate special occasions. Be careful though- getting too intoxicated is considered to be very bad manners.

Other famous beverages in Russia are Kvas (bread-based sweet drink), Medovukha (a honey-based alcohol drink), and Kompot- boiled water with fruits and sugar that is served cold. The tea culture is strong here; Russians tend to finish their drinks off with either tea or coffee as a norm.

The capital of Russia is Moscow- the largest city in the country.

Moscow is known as the city with more billionaires than anywhere else worldwide.

Almost 73.8% of the population lives in urban centers of Moscow, St. Petersburg, Novosibirsk, Yekaterinburg, and Nizhniy Novgorod.

Russia is the largest country in the world- almost twice the size of the United States.

Lake Baikal is the deepest lake in the world and also contains almost 20% of the world's fresh supplies.

Half of the country is covered with forests.

Russia is spread over the continents of Europe and Asia.

It has the longest railway in the world; the Trans-Siberian stretches almost 10000 kilometers.

The name for the famous drink "vodka" was derived from "voda" meaning water.

Moscow has the third busiest metro in the world ranking behind Tokyo and Seoul.

St. Petersburg has three times more bridges than Venice.

The most famous animal is the Siberian Tiger.

The coldest inhabited town, Oymyakon, in the world is in Russia.

Moscow's Kremlin is the biggest medieval fortress in the world.

Planning your Russia travel between May through October is the recommended season to enjoy good weather. The main cities such as Moscow or St. Petersburg have long and harsh winters, whereas the summers are short and warm. Summer is undoubtedly the best time to visit, but you can also aim for winter if snow and skiing are your go-to activities of choice.

July- August (Summer)
Russia tourism thrives in this period as the days become longer and tourist attractions have extended hours to accommodate visitors. Temperatures can exceed 30 Â°C, though they significantly take a dip towards the end of the month of August.

September-November (Autumn)
This is the start of Autumn. By October, the temperatures can dive into the negative making Russia less crowded. The colors of falls with the red, orange and yellow tints in the forests are gorgeous if you can brave the cold. The month of November is known to experience the first snowfall of the season.

December-February (Winter)
Winter in Russia is harsh and snow covers the country making it difficult to explore as a tourist. The days are short and the temperatures of -20 Â°C or lower are the norm. This is the perfect time for winter sports- from skiing to sledding, the slopes can get busy especially around the Orthodox New Year period.

March-June (Spring)
Despite being cold, this time is considered as the Spring season. May and June are comparatively warmer months, and the days start to get longer. St Petersburg gets particularly busy during June because of the never-ending daylight during the White Nights Festival.

Visit Russia with Family

Lounge around at the Gorky Park in Moscow.

Explore Winter Palace, once the home to Russian Emperors.

Make a stop at the Kazan Kremlin and Kul Sharif Mosque in Kazan.

Admire the views from the Volga river banks in Nizhny Novgorod.

Go shopping at GUM, the famous shopping mall in Moscow.

With Russia as a Couple

Explore Moscow city with everything from historic landmarks to the tallest skyscrapers.

Head to Chara Sands, a small desert in Siberia, for the most exquisite sunsets and serenity.

Tour the Golden Ring Town of Suzdal with its beautiful wooden houses and small-town vibes.

Get adventurous at the Khakassia Nature Reserve.

Take a boat tour through the beautiful St. Petersburg canals.

Visit Russia with Friends

Catch a thrilling performance at the Samara Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre.

Try your luck at skiing at the Red Valley (home to the Winter Olympics in 2014).

Pay a visit to Lenin's Mausoleum in Moscow where his "modern mummy" is displayed.

Find the iconic 'Temple of all religions' in Kazan.

Feel the calm of the St. George's Church in Krasnodar.

Visit Russia with Kids

Watch the sunset with a backdrop of the fairytale-like Saint Basil's Cathedral in Moscow.

Walk around Red Square and let the sights and sounds amuse your young ones.

Take a ride on the Moscow or St Petersburg metros.

Go to the Obraztsov Puppet Theater and Museum to hear fascinating folklore.

Let your children run free in the Kremlin lawns.

What to Buy?

Artisan Jewelry

Imperial Porcelain crockery

Russian shawls

Gzhel ceramics

Faberge replicas

Russian chocolate

Caviar

Zhostovo Trays

Matryoshka (Russian nested doll)

Honey

See Mesmerizing St. Basil's Cathedral
Your list of things to see in Moscow cannot be complete without a visit to St. Basil's Cathedral. Located in the Red Square, get ready for a brilliant mix of colors and patterns that Russian architecture stands out for. Built between 1555 to 1561, this cathedral is considered one of the world's top architectural wonders.
Best Time to Visit: 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. during summer months / November - April: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. / May, September, October: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Entry Prices: About $15

Wander around the Red Square and the Lenin Mausoleum
The heart of Moscow is the resting place of Vladimir Lenin with his embalmed body on display since 1924. Admire the beauty of Russia's heritage with GUM, Kremlin, and Saint Basil's Cathedral, all standing right next to each other at this iconic location.

Experience the Perfection of the Moscow Metro
Moscow Metro's decor and flawless artwork itself make it a Russian tourism attraction. Making it easy to explore Moscow city, the metro is known to be a mega architectural project with features such as marble walls, high ceilings, and gigantic chandeliers.
Best Time to Visit: 5:30 a.m. until 1:00 a.m.
Entry Prices: Varies based on the route

Decode Russia's Best Kept Secret- Sochi
A name that isn't usually on the top of a tourist's list of places to visit during their time in Russia, Sochi deserves to be highlighted for its location. Nestled right next to the Black Sea, the warm weather all-year-round, and lovely shorelines make it a brilliant getaway from the cold.

Discover Kazan - A City Older Than Moscow
One of the oldest cities in Russia, Kazan is almost 150 years older than Moscow. Home to one of the largest mosques in Europe, the QolÅÃ¤rif Mosque, Kazan's Kremlin is a UNESCO World Heritage site. That's not all- Europe's longest river the Volga flows through this city giving it a remarkable view.

Admire the Elegant Architecture of Palace Square
St. Petersburg's main square is not just aesthetically pleasing, but the location next to the regal Baroque Winter Palace makes this a recommended place to visit in Russia. This landmark was the setting of many events of worldwide importance, including the Bloody Sunday 1905 and the October Revolution of 1917.

Explore the Collections at St. Petersburg State Museum of Theatre and Music Art
Russians love art, literature, and culture- and this museum is proof of their passion. The St. Petersburg State Museum of Theatre and Music Art is a hub for highly sought after performances, and the Alexandrinsky Theatre views from the window add to its appeal.
Best Time to Visit: 11 a.m.- 7 p.m./ Tuesday: Closed/ Wednesday: 1 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Entry Prices: $2.5

See the Eclectic Side of Moscow at Arbat Street
If you want to experience Moscow city nightlife, Arbat street has tons to offer from cozy cafes, inviting bars to busy nightclubs if you want to dance the night away. One of the oldest streets in Moscow, there are also street artists if you want to invest in some local art.
Best Time to Visit: Rush hours are between 6 p.m. - 1 a.m.

Take a Trip to the Port City of Novorossiysk
The Novorossiysk Sea Port is one of the largest Russian seaports with many architectural landmarks that add to its fame. From the Assumption Cathedral, Novorossiysk State Historical Museum-Reserve, Tsemesskaya Grove, to the Andreevski Pass, this is a great escape from the busy city vibes.

Find the Best Food and Shopping at Nevsky Prospect
The main street of the city of St. Petersburg, which makes this one of the best cities in Russia is the Nevsky Prospect. From cafes, coffee, upscale restaurants, to historic icons such as Stroganov Palace, Winter Palace, and Vorontsov Palace- everything is a short walk away.

The New Year
The country celebrates the arrival of the new year with unforgettable enthusiasm. A great time to schedule your Russia vacation, head over to the Red Square for a dazzling fireworks display. With parties and festivals across all parks and public spaces, dance and sing to ring in the new year in style.
Location: Russia
Date: December 31 /January 1

Orthodox Christmas
Celebrating Christmas on 7 January, this is the time in Russia when Christmas festivals and decorations can be witnessed all around the country. From bridges, parks to public buildings, there are figures of angels, stars, and nativity scenes that lit up bright and add to a magical feeling.
Location: Russia
Date: 7 January 7

Maslenitsa Festival
Also known as the Pancake Festival, the Maslenitsa Festival is a highlight of Russia tourism as it represents the end of winter and the arrival of spring. There are carnivals and heavy consumption of milk and eggs. Thus, if you like pancakes, then this festival is ideal for you to take part in.
Location: Russia
Date: February or March

Reindeer Herder's Festival
A winter festival that is a specialty in smaller towns, you'll have to travel to the remote cities for this celebration where herding of the reindeer is still practiced. With races, skiing, and other small activities to get the locals involved, this Russian festival also has delicious food made specifically from Reindeer meat.
Location: Remote towns of Russia
Date: End of March

Russian Orthodox Easter Week
Not to be confused with the Easter celebration that takes place in other countries, Russia celebrates this holiday with its own twist to it. Locals fast, and the week prior is considered "Holy Week" for all pre-Easter tasks to be completed. There's a grand church service at night, and Easter lasts 40 days up till Ascension Day
Location: Russia
Date: April

Moscow Golden Mask Festival
A time of artistic activities, locals spend a lot of time preparing for the Moscow Golden Mask Festival. Various art forms are seen through performances; from operas, ballads to drama and dance, the shows and award ceremonies towards the end are an excellent experience to explore.
Location: Russia
Date: Usually March and April

Victory Day
A day to celebrate the victory of the Soviet Union from Nazi power, this day is dedicated to honoring Russia's military. From parades to fireworks, there's a strong spirit of patriotism in the air, and Russian military marches down the street of Red Square- a powerful sight worth witnessing.
Location: The best celebrations are in Moscow
Date: 9th May

St. Petersburg White Nights Festival
The time between mid-May and mid-July is unique in St. Petersburg as the sun never fully sets. Adding to a romantic vibe paired with music, dance and plenty of art- more than 175 opera, ballet, and classic shows add a spark of creative energy to the city for an incredible cultural adventure.
Location: St. Petersburg
Date: May and July

Please ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months after the visa expires, and with at least two blank pages in order to enter Russia.
Citizens of Belarus and South Ossetia have the right to unlimited visa-free entry to Russia.

Citizens of the following countries can avail visa-free entry to Russia but cannot stay for longer than 90 days (or less if mentioned) within a 180-day period:
90-Day Stay:
Abkhazia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Estonia, Latvia, Moldova, Tajikistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan

Non-Commercial 90-Day Stay:
Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Fiji, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Israel, Jamaica, Maldives, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Qatar (from 23 February 2020), Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, South Africa, Suriname, United Arab Emirates, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Venezuela

Non-Commercial 60-Day Stay:
Mauritius, Samoa, South Korea

Non-Commercial 30-Day Stay:
Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Laos, Macao, Mongolia, Montenegro, Palau, Serbia, Seychelles, Thailand

Non-Commercial 14-Day Stay:
Brunei, Hong Kong, Nauru

Via Metro
The Moscow and St. Petersburg Metro Systems are the most impressive in Russia. However, smaller metro lines are available in Kazan, Nizhny Novgorod, Novosibirsk, Samara and Yekaterinburg to make getting around easier. The tickets are affordable starting at about $0.5 for a ride that can be purchased at the KACCA (ticket booth).

Via Bus
The larger towns have local public bus systems to complement the rail network. Intercity bus stations are widespread in Russia, and tickets can be purchased at the spot. You may be charged extra for luggage; the fares are listed on the bus schedule or station walls for transparency.

Minibuses known as Marshrutky connect villages and cost about the same in case your route does not have fixed bus service available.

Via Taxis
Taxis are not too common nowadays and have to be ordered via phone. This is because phone apps such as Uber and Gett are the preferred medium of transportation for locals and tourists. Taxi prices vary widely based on the region. You will have to negotiate heavily in order to get a fair price from the driver.

Via Rent A Car
Renting a car in Russia can be a stressful experience. Accidents and bumps are to be expected due to the aggressive style of driving observed. Still, if you're in a city with a public transport infrastructure not as developed as Moscow and St. Petersburg, it makes sense to rent one.

Always rent your vehicle from a reputable agency that is known in Europe. In the unfortunate event of an accident, they will be able to help better versus a local agency. Also, it is critical that you have a GPS and print the name of the cities to which you are going to travel in the Cyrillic alphabet to understand the road signs better.

Via Plane
Russia has 227 operational airports that make travel both domestically, and outside the country, easily accessible. The busiest airports are Sheremetyevo (Moscow), Domodedovo (Moscow), Vnukovo (Moscow), Pulkovo (Saint Petersburg), Koltsovo (Yekaterinburg), Tolmachevo (Novosibirsk), Yemelyanovo (Krasnoyarsk), Novy (Khabarovsk), Pashkovsky (Krasnodar), Ufa (Ufa), Sochi (Sochi).

Via Air Route
Flights to Moscow and St. Petersburg are easy to find from most main airports. If these aren't your final destinations, connecting flights to the city of your preference is conveniently available making the air route very easy to navigate. Ensure that your connecting flights are from the same airport though because rushing to a different one in the same city, for example, Moscow, can be time-consuming.

Via Rail Route
You can catch the train from Vilnius, Lithuania to St. Petersburg- there is both a day and night train available based on your preference. Alternatively, a route from Helsinki, Finland, is also available, in addition to a train from Riga, Latvia.

Via Road Route
The bus service to reach Russia from Riga, Latvia, is a cheap option. However, the total travel time is 11 hours. Other land routes include Georgia, China, Ukraine, Belarus Norway, Finland, and Estonia.

Via Water Route
Ferries from Trabzon (Northern Turkey), Finland, Denmark, etc. are available during the summer, but not the most comfortable means of traveling due to the delays and volatile sea conditions.

Learn basic Russian phrases to make communication easier (Privyet means 'hello', Spicy-ba means 'thank you', Nyet means 'no')
Book your tickets for major tourist attractions in advance to avoid large crowds.
Use Yandex Maps instead of google to navigate your way.
Download a translation app on your phone.
Use the metro to get around in Moscow and St. Petersburg; it's safe and convenient.
Pedestrians do not have the right of way. So, watch out for cars and general traffic.
Keep your passport with you at all times to avoid any unpleasant encounters with the police.

Safety Tips

Don't put your wallet in a pocket that's easy to access (avoid the back pocket in particular).
Do not carry more money than what is needed.

Pickpocketing on public transport can be a risk; always be cautious of your surroundings.

Ask the hotel staff for advice on any dangerous areas to avoid.

Health Tips

Do not drink tap water.

Never drink unlabeled vodka.

Hepatitis A, B, MMR, Polio, and Typhoid are recommended vaccinations.

Wear repellents, long-sleeved shirts, and long trousers if you plan on going to forested areas.

What to Pack?

Comfortable clothing depending upon the season (for winters, remember to pack plenty of layers; tights, scarves, mittens, sweaters, and a warm insulated jacket)

Shoes (You'll be doing a lot of walking, thus prioritize comfort over fashion)

Travel adaptors for electronics (Local voltage is 220 volts)

Hygiene and toiletry items

First aid kit

Lightweight scarf (for churches)

Sunscreen and hat

Camera with cover

Flashlight in case of a power outage

Sunglasses

Travel documents and tickets

Travel insurance

Passport and visa

Any snacks in case of allergies

Dress Code and Etiquette

Avoid mini-skirts or sheer clothes (remember religious modesty when visiting churches and museums).

Do not wear very bright makeup.

Do not leave your gloves on when shaking hands with someone.

Take your shoes off when entering someone's home.

Do not discuss politics.

The locals keep to themselves in public places. Do not smile at strangers.

It is impolite to keep your hands in your pockets in churches.

Ukraine (757 km)
One of Europe's largest countries, visit this gem to experience nature at its purest. The lakes, fields, and forests are soothing for the soul. Next, head over to the urban side of Ukraine for ancient architecture and romantic parks that make this holiday destination a dream come true for all.

Lithuania (791 km)
Lithuania is the southernmost of the three Baltic countries (Latvia and Estonia being the other two). Visit the capital of Vilnius for jaw-dropping alleyways and colorful churches, or take a breather along the Baltic Sea coastline. There are castles, national parks, and native cuisine- the staples of any great getaway.

Estonia (869 km)
Despite being a small country, Estonia neighbors Russia and Finland, with plenty of old town charms and medieval towers to flaunt. The capital of Tallinn looks like something out of a fairytale with villages like sites, and cultural landmarks that show its journey through various time periods of Soviet history.

From Russia to Belarus is: 679 km

From Russia to Ukraine is: 757 km

From Russia to Lithuania is: 791 km

From Russia to Estonia is: 869 km

From Russia to Finland is: 893 km

From Russia to Moldova is: 1,147 km

From Russia to Poland is: 1,153 km

From Russia to Sweden is: 1,230 km

From Russia to Romania is: 1,498 km

From Russia to the United Arab Emirates is: 3,725 km

It is the largest country in the world- visit Russia to explore the giant country that occupies one-seventh of the world's landmass.

Russian culture focuses on grandeur; from the churches, Moscow Metro, to the Kremlin- all sights are awe-inspiring.

Russia's theater and arts have global fan following; the Bolshoi Theater and Pushkin Art Gallery in Moscow. The Mariinsky Theater and the Hermitage in St. Petersburg are powerful icons.

With a history that is over 1,150 years, there is heritage and knowledge to gain from the advent of the Soviet Union to modern-day developments.

160 ethnic groups mean multiculturalism and diversity across the Russian Federations of various traditions and beliefs.

There is an abundance of nature and wildlife with 26 UNESCO World Heritage sites in Russia.

Moscow and St. Petersburg is known as the cities that never sleep with round-the-clock action and experiences.

Russian winters are magical with surreal parks, streets and villages offering views you've never seen before.

Russians are friendly hosts and welcoming, due to their family-oriented culture.

The cuisine here is incredible with influences coming from Europe, Asia, and the Middle East for a spectacular overall taste.

There's a vodka museum. You must visit it if you're a fan of the drink that Russia loves to consume generously.

VISIT RUSSIA - YOUR GATEWAY TO ART, ARCHITECTURE, AND HISTORY

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