Russia: Living

Different Forms of Tourism

Historical

Old cities have been historically influenced by European tastes, especially those inside the Golden Ring. The Golden Ring is a route through several cities and smaller towns to the North-East of Moscow. It is the best way to explore Russia's history and architecture.

In Moscow, the Red Square and the Kremlin are the two best examples of historic sites to vist in the city. St. Petersburg is best known for its beautiful and historic sites. For example, the Winter Palace has a rich history as a home to the Royal family until 1917 and is arguably the most oppulent palace in Russia. The Ploshchad Lenina (Lenin Square) is dedicated to Vladimir Lenin, the father of the Russian revolution, and decorated with a light and music fountain and a statue.

Cultural

As the capital, Moscow has many cultural sites. The State Tretyakov Gallery hosts a large collection of Russian art, some of which dates back to the nineth century. The Museum of Applied and Folk Art samples traditional Russian ceramics, furniture, china and textiles. Even the Moscow Metro is a site to behold, it's colloquially known as the Underground Palace.

St. Petersburg is the old imperial capital, and the second largest city in Russia. As such, it has a rich abundance of classical Museums and art galleries. For example, Hermitage is one of the largest museums in the world and was founded by Catherine the Great in 1764. In central St. Petersburg you can find plenty of palaces and theatres hosting ballet and opera.

Nature

Russia is full of natural sites to visit: the Volga, Caucasus and the Urals, the forests of Karelia and Siberia, Lake Baïkal and the Kamchatka peninsula. Krasnoyarsk is a very popular place to visit because of the outdoor scenery available like the Stolby National Park and Enisey River.

Religious

There are numerous active monasteries across the country, with some of the most beautiful within the Golden Circle. You should make a note of the monasteries of Suzdal and Sergueiev Possad near Moscow, and the Alexander Nevsky Monastery in St. Petersburg.

Thermal

Thermal tourism is concentrated mainly in the North Caucasus, around cities such as Mineralny Vody, Kislovodsk, Zheleznovodsk or Essentuki.
However, most establishments are Soviet sanatoriums with Spartan comfort.

Beach

In summer, people bathe in many lakes and rivers, especially on the island of Serebrianny Bor in Moscow. Russia has an abundance of lake and seaside beaches.
In the Ural mountains lies Lake Turgoyak, which is known for its clear waters.The Russian city of Samara is located on the banks of the Volga. Here, you can find plenty of sunbathers and beachside cafes.
There are several resorts on the Black Sea starting with Anapa (sand beach) and Sotchi (pebble beach).

Winter Sports

Cross-country skiing and skating are practised practically everywhere in the country. Downhill skiing is becoming a very popular activity. There are popular ski resorts in the Caucasus, and also in the Urals and the Kouzbass. Of course, the most famous place to ski is in Sochi, home of the 2014 Winter Olympics.

Outdoor Activities

Fishing, hiking/rambling and white-water sports.

Shopping

Luxury shopping is generally concentrated in the GOUM or TSOUM in Moscow and in the Gostiny Dvor (in Russian) in St. Petersburg.
The market in Izmailovsky park is renowned for souvenirs, furs, crafts and other Soviet antiques.

Tourism Organisations

Russian Tourism Board
Federal Tourist Agency

Cultural Organizations

Russian Cultural Heritage Network (RCHN)

Hotel reservation websites

Information and destination guide (in English)