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Russia

Capital

Moscow

Currency

Russian Ruble (RUB)

Language

Russian

Best Time

May–Sep

Time Zone

Multiple TZ (UTC+2 to UTC+12)

Sustainability Politics
Flag of Russia
Welcome to Russia

Russia's Vast and Storied Landscape

Welcome to Russia, the largest country on Earth, where grand imperial history meets an extraordinary range of landscapes across eleven time zones. Moscow's Red Square and the colorful domes of St. Basil's Cathedral reflect centuries of Russian history and power. St. Petersburg's grand palaces and canals showcase imperial elegance along the Neva River. The Trans-Siberian Railway offers an epic journey across vast forests, steppe, and remote Siberian towns. Lake Baikal, the deepest and oldest lake on Earth, holds a striking, crystal-clear beauty found nowhere else. Russia's diverse regions, from the Caucasus Mountains to the Kamchatka Peninsula's volcanoes, reveal extraordinary natural variety. World-class ballet, literature, and art reflect Russia's deep and influential cultural legacy. Russia invites travelers to experience a country of staggering scale and historical depth.

Popular City

Moscow

Moscow’s Red Square anchors the city with the colorful onion domes of St. Basil’s Cathedral, the imposing walls of the Kremlin, and the elaborate facade of the GUM department store all within view of each other. Inside the Kremlin, the Armoury Chamber displays Faberge eggs and imperial regalia amassed over centuries of Russian rule. The Moscow Metro, built as a showcase of Soviet grandeur, features stations decorated with mosaics, chandeliers, and marble that rival museums, making a ride through several stops worthwhile on its own. The Tretyakov Gallery holds the definitive collection of Russian art, from medieval icons to avant-garde masterpieces. Gorky Park, transformed into a modern public space, offers riverside walking paths and outdoor exhibitions throughout the year. Moscow’s blend of imperial grandeur and Soviet-era monumentality makes it one of the most architecturally striking capitals in the world.

Travel News

Popular City

St. Petersburg

St. Petersburg’s Hermitage Museum, housed in the former Winter Palace, holds one of the largest and most significant art collections on earth, spanning millions of items across its ornate imperial halls. The city’s canals and pastel-colored palaces, laid out by Peter the Great to rival Amsterdam and Venice, have earned it the nickname Venice of the North. Peterhof, a lavish palace complex outside the city, is famous for its cascading golden fountains that operate without pumps, relying entirely on gravity from nearby springs. St. Isaac’s Cathedral, one of the largest domed cathedrals in the world, offers a colonnade with panoramic city views. In summer, the White Nights phenomenon keeps the sky glowing well past midnight, drawing crowds to watch the city’s bridges raise over the Neva River each night. St. Petersburg’s imperial architecture and canals make it Russia’s most elegant city.

Travel Tips

Helpful information to consider before and during your visit.

Before You Go

  • Confirm passport validity and entry requirements.
  • Check whether a tourist visa is required.
  • Keep digital copies of important documents.
  • Consider purchasing travel insurance.

Money & Payments

  • Review the local currency and exchange rate.
  • Carry some cash for small businesses and markets.
  • Check for international bank transaction fees.
  • Learn the country's customary tipping practices.

Stay Connected

  • Review your mobile carrier's international plan.
  • Consider purchasing a local SIM or eSIM.
  • Download maps for offline use before traveling.
  • Avoid sensitive transactions on unsecured Wi-Fi.

Transportation

  • Research public transportation before arrival.
  • Use licensed taxis or reputable rideshare services.
  • Check which side of the road vehicles use.
  • Confirm whether an international permit is needed.

Electricity

  • Check the country's voltage and outlet type.
  • Bring the correct plug adapter for your devices.
  • Use a voltage converter when required.
  • Pack a portable charger for longer excursions.

Weather & Clothing

  • Review the seasonal weather before packing.
  • Bring layers for changing temperatures.
  • Pack rain protection when appropriate.
  • Use sunscreen even on cool or cloudy days.

Food & Water

  • Research whether tap water is safe to drink.
  • Communicate food allergies clearly.
  • Try traditional dishes from reputable vendors.
  • Observe local dining customs and meal times.

Safety

  • Secure valuables in crowded tourist areas.
  • Avoid displaying large amounts of cash.
  • Share your itinerary with someone you trust.
  • Review current government travel advisories.

Language & Etiquette

  • Learn a few polite words in the local language.
  • Respect dress requirements at religious sites.
  • Ask permission before photographing people.
  • Follow local traditions, laws and social customs.

Emergency Planning

  • Save the country's emergency telephone number.
  • Locate your nearest embassy or consulate.
  • Keep medication in its original packaging.
  • Store emergency contacts offline and on paper.

Smart Packing

  • Pack comfortable shoes for walking and tours.
  • Keep essential medication in your carry-on.
  • Bring a reusable bottle where appropriate.
  • Leave room for locally purchased items.

Local Research

  • Check attraction hours and reservation policies.
  • Review national holidays and local closures.
  • Download important addresses before departure.
  • Leave flexibility for unexpected discoveries.
Important: Entry requirements, transportation rules, weather conditions and safety guidance can change. Verify important information with official sources before traveling.

Popular City

Kazan

Kazan, capital of Tatarstan, blends Russian Orthodox and Islamic heritage within its UNESCO World Heritage Kremlin, where the striking Qol Sharif Mosque stands near the older Annunciation Cathedral. The Kremlin’s Falling Tower, said to lean due to a tragic legend involving a Tatar queen, adds a dramatic silhouette to the skyline. Bauman Street, the city’s main pedestrian thoroughfare, offers shops, cafes, and street performers leading toward the old town. Kazan’s Tatar cuisine, including dishes like echpochmak meat pastries, reflects the city’s distinct cultural identity within Russia. The city’s modern Kazan Family Center, shaped like a giant cauldron with an elevator running through its center, adds an unusual contemporary landmark to the skyline. Kazan’s blend of Tatar and Russian heritage makes it one of the country’s most culturally distinct cities.

Local Food to Try

Discover some of Russia's most popular flavors, traditional dishes and memorable local treats during your visit.

Beef Stroganoff

Beef Stroganoff is a signature Russia specialty known for its distinctive local ingredients, seasoning and traditional preparation.

Pelmeni

This popular Russia dish brings together familiar regional flavors and is commonly enjoyed in homes, markets or local restaurants.

Borscht

A well-loved part of Russia cuisine, Borscht reflects the country's culinary traditions and locally available ingredients.

Blini

Blini is a comforting regional favorite, prepared in styles that may vary between families, cities and different parts of Russia.

Shchi

Visitors often seek out Shchi for an authentic taste of Russia's everyday cooking and food culture.

Olivier Salad

This traditional favorite highlights the bold, savory or gently spiced flavors associated with cooking in Russia.

Pirozhki

Pirozhki is widely recognized in Russia and is often served at casual meals, celebrations or community gatherings.

Syrniki

A memorable choice for travelers, Syrniki offers a flavorful introduction to the ingredients and techniques used across Russia.

Medovik

This classic food is an important part of Russia's culinary identity and is best sampled freshly prepared.

Dining tip: Regional specialties and preparation styles vary throughout Russia. Explore local markets, independent cafΓ©s and family-owned restaurants for an authentic taste of the destination.

Little-Known Facts

Russia

Russia is by far the largest country in the world by land area, spanning eleven time zones and covering more than one-eighth of the Earth's inhabited land, stretching from Europe all the way across Siberia to the Pacific Ocean. The country is home to Lake Baikal, the deepest and oldest freshwater lake in the world, holding roughly 20% of all the unfrozen fresh water on Earth's surface and containing thousands of plant and animal species found nowhere else.

Russia's Trans-Siberian Railway is the longest single railway line in the world, stretching over 5,700 miles from Moscow to Vladivostok and taking about a week to travel in full, connecting European Russia to its Pacific coast. The country is also home to Oymyakon, widely considered the coldest permanently inhabited place on Earth, where temperatures have been recorded plunging below -90Β°F.

Russia's history includes launching the first artificial satellite, Sputnik, into orbit in 1957, and sending the first human, Yuri Gagarin, into space in 1961, milestones that made the Soviet Union an early leader in the global space race.