Top 5 best cities to visit in Russia

Top 5 best cities to visit in Russia

Russian Federation is the largest country in the world stretching from Eastern Europe to Northern Asia. It covers over a seventh of the earth’s entire land mass and spans over eight time zones. Due to its large size it has an incredibly diverse climate from the subtropical heat of Sochi in the South to the freezing Arctic terrain of Siberia.

The country has a rich history from being part of the republic of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republic to gaining its independence upon the dissolution of the Soviet Union in December 1991. Despite the land compromising of mostly Russians it has a diverse cultural background thanks to its more than 120 other ethnic groups present.

Have fun exploring this grand country with its stunning record-breaking lakes, extraordinary mysterious caves, enchanting thick forests, breathtaking icy tundra, Statuesque castles’ and incredible art pieces. Here are the top 5 cities to visit in Russia.

1. Moscow

Red Square Moscow – Wikipedia

If you truly want to see how the elite 1% of the world live Moscow is the best place for you to visit. Known as the world’s largest community of billionaires, according to Forbes 84 billionaires reside in Moscow, with a combined wealth of about 367 billion. You can now understand why Moscow has always been regarded as a city of superlatives and dramatic contrasts, a hub of creative and intellectual energy.

Prince Yuri Dolgoruky founded Moscow in 1147 and called the city Moskov after a River. The flag of England and Moscow have the same figure of St. George in armor and riding a horse back while slaying a dragon with his lance.

The famous Russia expression “Moscow doesn’t believe in tears” is hundreds of years old. It came from the time when Russian cities had to pay tribute to Moscow. To avoid or delay the payment, the petitioners begged and cried to persuade the emperor to extend the repayment period or eliminate the tribute altogether. Sadly, all in vain, as the emperor, who “did not believe in tears”, gave the order to punish the petitioners.

2. St. Petersburg

Alexandra Column, St. Petersburg – Flickr

Home to the greatest museum, the fabulous Hermitage, which would take you approximately 10 years to complete viewing all its exhibits. The cities’ eye-catching Baroque and Neoclassical architecture, the world-famous Mariinsky Theatre, the 600-ton Alexandra Column, the world deepest subways are a few of the things that contributed to St. Petersburg being declared a UNESCO historic center.

The city has changed its name three times, originally known as Saint-Petersburg after its founder Peter the Great. After the outbreak of World War I it was renamed to Petrograd, meaning Peter’s city, in order to remove the German words Sankt and Burg. After the death of Vladimir Lenin, a Russian revolutionary, politician and political theorist, it was renamed to Leningrad, meaning Lenin’s city. On September 6^th 1991 the original name was returned to the city, St. Petersburg.

3. Vladivostok

Soviet submarine C-56, Vladivostok – Wikipedia

What else could be more exhilarating than exploring a city that was once closed to foreigners for nearly 40 years. What hidden gems could you unearth in the land that translates to “Rule the East,” “Lord of the East,” or “Conqueror of the East”?

Considered one of Russia’s most attractive seaport cities. You can enjoy watching the day-to-day activities in the port that links Russia to the Far East as a port of entry for consumer goods from Japan and other countries. Explore the C-56 submarine that destroyed more than 10 ships during the second World War. Fall in love with the impressive scenery of hilly streets and the beautiful blue sea view of the Pacific Ocean.

Vladivostok was originally founded as a Russian military outpost in 1860. However, no military action took place in the city center therefore you can enjoy well-preserved architectural mixtures from the 18^th century to the 21^st century.

4. Kizhi Island

Lake Onega, Kizhi Island – Flickr

Famous for its outstanding open-air museum that hosts an impressive collection of wooden structures some dating as far back as the 14^th century. Some famous attractions are the Church of the Resurrection of Lazarus, the oldest surviving wooden church in Russia and the 22 onion domes Church of Transfiguration built in the 18^th century.

Kizhi Island is located in the heart of Lake Onega and is an important historical, cultural and natural site. The structures found on the island were transported from other regions so that they could be well-preserved and accessible to the public. In 1995 a special ruble coin was issued in Russia in honor of the Island.

No nails were used in the construction of this magnificent time defying architectural works instead pieces of wood were notched together. It is important to know that smoking is prohibited except in certain areas because of the delicate nature of the wooden structures.

5. Irkutsk

Lake Baikal, Irkutsk – Wikipedia

Travel back in time and explore the 130 Kvartal, an entire neighborhood filled with 18^th and 19^th century traditional Siberian wooden houses. Admire the architectural jewel of the ancient churches with distinct Siberian Baroque and traditional Siberian domestic architecture. The historical centre of Irkutsk will give you a great glimpse of how life was in the region during ancient times. It is also home to the world’s oldest and deepest lake, Lake Baikal.

Irkutsk was founded in 1652 as a Russian winter camp. It lies along the Angara River at its confluence with the Irkut River. It is divided into the “left bank” and “right bank” with respect to the flow of the Angara River. The city was formerly known as “Yandashsky” named after the local Tuvan chief Yandasha Gorogi.