15 best cities to visit in Russia

The great and elegant cities of Russia, a country of significant proportions, reflect its essence and size with their appearance and location. Grandiose fortresses, cathedrals and churches, spacious streets and boulevards ... In such places, guests of Russia will find many incredible historical and cultural sites to explore. An ancient country steeped in history fascinates wherever you look - be it the stunning buildings of the cities themselves, or the wonders hidden in their streets. The vibrant cultural scene is evident in a variety of art forms, opera and theater productions, while its writers and composers have achieved international acclaim. Russia's finest cities blend modern shopping malls, trendy bars and restaurants with Soviet-era architecture and delightful old buildings that illuminate Russia's diverse past.

15. Novosibirsk

Located on the Trans-Siberian Railway line, Novosibirsk is the third largest city in the country. Here you can see many remarkable places and find entertaining activities. The city can be described as a calm, laid-back place with many leafy parks and boulevards. Nasty Soviet-era buildings leave a tinge of unattractiveness, but delightful monuments and museums more than make up for it. Fantastic galleries and restaurants, a multitude of shops and a vibrant entertainment scene attract a visit to this city, if only for a couple of days.

14. Ufa

Ufa is the capital of Bashkortostan, an autonomous region of Russia, which is a delightful blend of Bashkir and Slavic culture, which manifests itself in local customs and culinary arts. The beautiful city of Ufa is located at the intersection of two rivers. It offers interesting cultural attractions and a distinctive atmosphere, although crime has increased in recent years following the financial crisis. From here, you can easily travel to nearby Kazakhstan.

13. Smolensk

Situated on the Dnieper River, Smolensk has many beautiful and interesting sights worth visiting and is also one of the oldest cities in Russia. Captured and ruled by countries throughout their long history, churches, structures and monuments can be found throughout the city. The spectacular fortress, larger than the Moscow Kremlin, is delightful, and the stunning Assumption Cathedral is another attraction. In addition to their historical sites, museums, galleries and theaters showcase a rich art and musical heritage.

12. Kaliningrad

Kaliningrad is located on the coast of the Baltic Sea, separated by Poland and Lithuania from the main part of Russia. For a long time in history it was ruled by Germany. In 1946, the region was annexed to the USSR, and German power was alienated after the expulsion of the German population. Much of the city was destroyed during World War II, but despite this, some elements of German heritage can still be found, although the main part of the city now consists of monotonous gray buildings from the Soviet era. It is surprisingly enjoyable to stroll through tree-filled parks and inviting surroundings, with enchanting museums toning down those rude features. The old city walls of the city, formerly known as Königsberg, lend a special atmosphere to Kaliningrad and are its most famous sight after its fantastic cathedral.

11. Krasnodar

Krasnodar is an elegant city with lively street views, sometimes called "Little Paris". The beautiful architecture of the Tsarist era, numerous shops, bars and restaurants are conducive to a pleasant pastime, at the same time, there are no impressive sights here, unlike other cities in Russia. Nevertheless, there are convenient transport networks for a more detailed exploration of the local surroundings.

10. Veliky Novgorod

Lying on the banks of the Volkhov River, this city was the first capital of Russia throughout the 9th century. Located on an important trade route between Central Asia and Europe, Veliky Novgorod fortunately escaped destruction in World War II, so most of its wonderful monasteries and monuments remained intact. It is very exciting to explore the medieval city center, as you can see numerous ancient churches here. The 11th century Hagia Sophia is just one of the outstanding landmarks, along with the St George Cathedral, the oldest monastery in Russia. The city bars and restaurants provide an excellent rest after a long excursion.

9. Volgograd

The city, formerly known as Stalingrad, is famous as the site of the battle where the Russians managed to stop the German advance in World War II. After the war, Volgograd was transformed by the Soviet Union, and the large public buildings and wide avenues we see today were designed to give meaning to their victory. The huge monument to their success is impressive, while the huge military cemetery just outside the city is reminiscent of the unimaginable victims of World War II. Volgograd has a wonderful promenade for travelers, atmospheric cafes and great restaurants.

8. Sochi

The 2014 Winter Olympic Games were held in the city of Sochi, located on the Black Sea coast. Most of the investment was directed towards improving the city's facilities and tourism services. The most famous seaside resort in Russia, with its beautiful waterfront, is home to many luxurious nightclubs and restaurants, as well as delightful parks throughout the city. Despite the fact that the beaches are not very sophisticated, and in the summer months such a vacation can be quite expensive, the sea is quite warm for swimming, and in general, Sochi has a rather pleasant climate. From here, you can visit the Russian Riviera, hike in the Agura Valley, or go to nearby ski resorts in the mountains that hosted the Olympic Games.

7. Nizhny Novgorod

Nizhny Novgorod, with the Volga and Oka rivers running through it, is best known for its spectacular hilltop Kremlin overlooking the intersection of two river tributaries. The city's sights are quite enough to keep the city's visitors busy for at least a couple of days. Tourists can find many excellent museums and restaurants here, as well as charming views of the surrounding area. From here, you can take a scenic river cruise to some of the villages and towns nearby.

6. Irkutsk

The city of Irkutsk, located near Lake Baikal, is becoming more and more popular with tourists. Recently, more and more interesting educational museums have appeared here. The 130th quarter of the city is filled with traditional Siberian timber buildings, which create a pleasant atmosphere for walking, and on the streets you can find new trendy cafes, bars and restaurants. Most people come here via the Trans-Siberian Railway - Irkutsk, which is a great way to explore the surrounding region.

5. Vladivostok

Vladivostok is a significant naval base located in the Russian Far East and is the capital of the region.The Pacific coastline is crammed with delightful little islands and bays that fill this place with beauty. In the vicinity of the Soviet era, one can find beautiful architecture. More and more new theaters and cultural attractions are opening in Vladivostok, and the restaurant sector is perfectly complemented by trendy cocktail bars and nightlife.

4. Yekaterinburg

Yekaterinburg has been the site of numerous important events in the history of Russia. It was in this place that the Romanovs were executed, and Boris Yeltsin came to power. The city, located next to the Ural Mountains, was a place for the extraction of precious stones, miners flocked to Yekaterinburg to make a fortune. Nowadays, many cultural and historical attractions for visitors can be found here. With the development of the economy, many bars and cafes began to appear here, the fantastic gastronomic variety will make you salivate. Many people come to the local international airport to go on an excursion to the Ural Mountains.

3. Kazan

Kazan is the capital of the Tatars (Turkic people), located on the Volga River, thus this place can be called unique and interesting to visit in Russia. Russian Slavs make up a significant part of the population of Kazan. The mix of cultures is manifested in the alternation of churches and mosques, and street signs are written in two languages. Tatarstan's oil reserves indicate that the city is rapidly modernizing, yet it still retains its traditional identity. Delightful local cuisine and interesting cultural attractions such as the Kazan Kremlin give this city a special character and attract tourists to visit it.

2. St. Petersburg

St. Petersburg was founded in 1703, its turbulent history has changed many times. The former capital, once ruled by rulers, survived the communist revolution and was later besieged by the Nazis. The city is rich in elegant palaces and majestic cathedrals, and beautiful leafy parks make this a great place to walk. Rivers and canals cut through St. Petersburg, and delightful bridges cross its waterways. Despite the laid-back lifestyle of Petersburgers, the city has many great shops and restaurants, as well as a vibrant nightlife. It is impossible not to mention the impressive collection of works of art in the Hermitage.

1.Moscow

The capital of Russia is a majestic city that is awe-inspiring to explore. The Kremlin and Red Square are the main attractions. In the center of the city, on the territory of an ancient fortress, you can visit the stunning Cathedral of St. Basil the Blessed, which gives a special atmosphere to this place. Monuments, statues, museums serve as a reminder of the country's Soviet past, the Cold War Museum "Bunker-42" deserves special attention. Another defining feature of the country is Orthodoxy, the number of churches in this city exceeds 600, golden domes shining in the sun can be seen everywhere. Moscow is renowned for its world renowned performing arts, ballet, circus performances or opera. New and innovative works are constantly emerging. Among other things, Moscow has wonderful restaurants, trendy bars and nightclubs.