Covering an area of more than seventeen million square kilometers, Russia is the largest country on earth by land. It lies on two continents (Asia and Europe) and is the most populated nation in Europe.
Beyond the geographical description, Russia or the Russian Federation is a beautiful country. It comprises people from multiple ethnicities and cultures. Hence, it has much to offer any visitor. If you plan to go to Russia on holiday, be prepared to see some beautiful places.
However, before even making plans, you must obtain a Russian visa from the Russian embassy in your country. Once you have it, get ready. If you are not familiar with what to see or where to go, here is a list of 10 places to visit in Russia.
- Lake Baikal
Your visit won’t be complete without seeing Lake Baikal, the biggest freshwater lake in the world. It is also the oldest and deepest lake and spreads across Siberia in the south-eastern region.
Surrounded by spectacular green vegetation and ice-capped mountains, it is a place where you can enjoy and relax. There are several activities that you can take part in like hiking, trekking and wildlife adventures.
- Moscow
It may sound cliché, but Moscow is one of the grandest cities not just in Russia but in the world. It has magnificent structures, including the Kremlin, the Grand Kremlin Palace, the State Historical Museum, the St Basil’s Cathedral and others.
You can also walk the streets and visit the local market to enjoy ethnic cuisine and buy souvenirs. Nightlife is also quite vibrant, and so if you are still energetic after a busy day, you can visit some popular clubs.
- National Park Curonian Spit
If you are a nature lover, you will enjoy visiting this park. Locally known as “Kurši”, the Nerijos Nacionalinis Parkas lies across the Baltic Sea and covers the Kaliningrad region.
The Park is home to many wildlife creatures, including deer, elk, wild boar and birds. Covered densely with pine trees, it is a quiet and lovely place where you can enjoy everything natural.
- Kizhi Island
Situated in Lake Onega, Kizhi Island is a picturesque place that you should visit while in Russia. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and covers an area of about six kilometers lengthwise.
The island is home to the “Church of the Resurrection”, Russia’s oldest wooden church built in the 14th century. You can also check out other magnificent structures like “Church of the Transfiguration” and the “Pogost of Our Savior”.
- Sochi
If you holiday in Russia during the summer, you must visit Sochi. It is a lovely and famous beach town that offers plenty of fun and relaxation.
You can check out the famous “Forested Sochi National Park” and participate in various exciting activities.
- Altay or Altai
Located in the Western Siberian area, the republic of Altai or Altay is a must-visit place. If you want to experience the traditional Russian culture, make time to go there.
It is a beautiful place with lots of green mountains and meadows and enchanting lakes. It is also home to numerous flora and fauna.
- Kazan
Located at the junction of two famous rivers, Volga and Kazanka, Kazan City is a mixture of Russian and Tatar cultures.
If you are a food enthusiast, it is the best place to taste genuine Tatar cuisine. Kazan City is also home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Kazan Kremlin.
- Kamchatka
If you want to witness the fiery side of mother nature, Kamchatka is a must-go place. Situated in the North-eastern side of Russia, it has several volcanoes and is designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
- The Russian Arctic National Park
Located in Arkhangelsk Oblast, Russia, the park is home to numerous Arctic fauna. Enjoy the spectacular glaciers and other natural formations.
- Ruskeala
Finally, if you want to relax and enjoy nature quietly, Ruskeala is the place to be. It is a small town in Sortavala, Republic of Karelia in Russia. Take part in hikes and have fun in the natural world.
So, these are the ten places that you should see when visiting Russia. There are hundreds more, and if you have time, you must try to check out as many as possible. Make your visit to Russia a memorable experience of a lifetime.
