Russia

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Russia, country that stretches over a vast expanse of eastern Europe and northern Asia. Once the preeminent republic of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (U.S.S.R.; commonly known as the Soviet Union), Russia became an independent country after the dissolution of the Soviet Union in December 1991. Russia is a land of superlatives. By far the world’s largest country, it covers nearly twice the territory of Canada, the second largest. It extends across the whole of northern Asia and the eastern third of Europe, spanning 11 time zones and incorporating a great range of environments and landforms, from deserts to semiarid steppes to deep forests and Arctic tundra. Russia contains Europe’s longest river, the Volga, and its largest lake, Ladoga. Russia also is home to the world’s deepest lake, Baikal, and the country recorded the world’s lowest temperature outside the North and South poles. The inhabitants of Russia are quite diverse. Most are ethnic Russians, but there also are more than 120 other ethnic groups present, speaking many languages and following disparate religious and cultural traditions. Most of the Russian population is concentrated in the European portion of the country, especially in the fertile region surrounding Moscow, the capital. Moscow and St. Petersburg (formerly Leningrad) are the two most important cultural and financial centres in Russia and are among the most picturesque cities in the world. Russians are also populous in Asia, however; beginning in the 17th century, and particularly pronounced throughout much of the 20th century, a steady flow of ethnic Russians and Russian-speaking people moved eastward into Siberia, where cities such as Vladivostok and Irkutsk now flourish. Russia’s climate is extreme, with forbidding winters that have several times famously saved the country from foreign invaders. Although the climate adds a layer of difficulty to daily life, the land is a generous source of crops and materials, including vast reserves of oil, gas, and precious metals. That richness of resources has not translated into an easy life for most of the country’s people, however; indeed, much of Russia’s history has been a grim tale of the very wealthy and powerful few ruling over a great mass of their poor and powerless compatriots. Serfdom endured well into the modern era; the years of Soviet communist rule (1917–91), especially the long dictatorship of Joseph Stalin, saw subjugation of a different and more exacting sort.

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Moscow
Moscow, Russia

As the capital of Russia, Moscow is the most important city in Russia, but not just for political reasons alone. This city of more than 12 million is also well known for its artistic endeavors, including ballet, symphonies and art. Onion-shaped domes of historic churches fill the skyline. The stately Kremlin and impressive Red Square, one of the largest squares in the world, are sights not to be missed, as are statues of Lenin and Stalin, controversial leaders in the 20th century.

Saint Petersburg
Saint Petersburg, Русия

Russia’s second largest city is St. Petersburg.Founded in 1703 by Tsar Peter the Great, St. Petersburg was once the imperial capital of Russia; its name was changed to Leningrad in 1924. Because of its location on the Neva River, which feeds into the Gulf of Finland and then into the Baltic Sea, the city is a popular northern cruise destination and one of the most popular places to visit in Russia. Known as the cultural capital of Russia, the city boasts one of the finest art collections in the world at the Hermitage, with churches adding to the city’s magnificent art.

Vladivostok
Vladivostok, Russia

Mountains and bays surround Vladivostok, making it a stunning beautiful city in Russia’s east.The last stop on the Trans-Siberian Railway, Vladivostok is the country’s largest port on the Pacific Ocean; it is just a hop, skip and a jump away from North Korea and China. The city offers many cultural attractions from theaters to museums to concerts; actor Yul Brynner was born here in 1920. Travelers may want to stroll through some of the city’s lovely parks, including Minny Gorodok, which was once a military base.

Sochi
Sochi, Russia

Sochi on the Black Sea is a great winter sports destination and, in fact, hosted the 2014 Winter Olympics. Skis aside, Sochi also hosts the Russian Formula 1 Grand prix and will be a host city for the 2018 Fifa World Cup. Despite winter snow, Sochi offers a subtropical climate and great beaches, making it a key part of the Russian Riviera. The resort city makes a great summer (and winter) getaway for Russians. Strolling along the pedestrian-only sea embankment is a pleasant experience. Environmentally conscious travelers may want to visit the Caucasus Biosphere Reserve.

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Location

Russia is a transcontinental country in Eastern Europe and North Asia. From northwest to southeast, Russia shares land borders with Norway, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland (both with Kaliningrad Oblast), Belarus, Ukraine, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, China, Mongolia and North Korea.

Transportation

Intercity travel is possible by coach, train, boat and plane.

 

Languages Spoken

Of all the languages of Russia, Russian is the only official language at the national level. There are 35 different languages which are considered official languages in various regions of Russia, along with Russian. There are over 100 minority languages spoken in Russia today.

Currency

The Russian ruble or rouble (RUB) is the currency of the Russian Federation.

Visas

All foreign nationals are required to have entry visas to travel to the Russian Federation. A visa to the Russian Federation is a document, permitting stay in Russia for a specific period of time. A visa lists entry/exit dates, your vital information, passport details and some information about the inviting party. Please note, that your Russian visa is an exit permit just like it’s an entry permit.

Electricity

Access electricity (220V, 50Hz AC) with a European plug with two round pins. A few places still have the old 127V system. Some trains and hotel bathrooms have 110V and 220V shaver plugs.

Vaccinations

The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Russia: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, Japanese encephalitis, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.

Emergency Calls

Emergency medical services in Russia is a type of medical assistance provided to citizens in cases of accident, illnesses, injuries, poisonings, and other conditions requiring urgent medical intervention. These services are typically provided by a city or regional government, public emergency hospital, or the Disaster Medical Service. The emergency number for dialing an ambulance in Russia is 03 or the generic European 112.

When to visit
Best time to visit the destination

The coldest month obviously is January with an average temperature at -6°C (22°F). The wettest months are October & November. Tip: the best time to visit St. Petersburg weather-wise is late spring - early June. This is the season when the weather is the most convenient for long hours of sightseeing.

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Winter Palace

As one of the most iconic sites in St. Petersburg, the Winter Palace dominates Palace Square and stands as a symbol of the city’s cultural, historical, and artistic inheritance. The palace got its start in 1708 as a Dutch-style wooden home that was built for Peter the Great and his family. In subsequent years, the Winter Palace was transformed into the colorful and ornate building that it is today.The interior of the palace contains grand staircases, gold-leafed trim, and intricate marble work.Visitors can tour some parts of the Winter Palace.

Kremlin

As the seat of government in Moscow, the Kremlin has multiple museums and exhibits where visitors can come to learn about Russia’s fascinating history. In the Armoury Chamber, visitors can view more than 4,000 unique exhibits with artifacts from Russia and abroad. The Assumption Cathedral stands out because it is the main church of the Russian state. The Archangel Cathedral, named after Michael the Archangel, holds the remains of Moscow’s grand princes, while the Annunciation Cathedral is considered a prime example of Russian architecture.

The City of the Dead

Known alternatively as the Village of Dargavs, this mysterious place is home to a cemetery that holds nearly 100 stone crypts. The cemetery provides an interesting glimpse into life 400 years ago, since many of the people here were buried with their earthly belongings. Local legend says that a plague swept through Ossetia in the 18th century and that it devastated the population so thoroughly that villagers would sit in the cemetery and simply wait to die. The cemetery receives visitors from around the world, but due to its obscurity it isn’t an easy destination to reach.

Lenin's Mausoleum

Lenin’s Mausoleum is significant in that it holds the embalmed remains of Vladimir Lenin, the famed leader of the Bolshevik Revolution. His body rests inside of a red and gray pyramid-shaped tomb. Although Lenin requested a traditional burial, those who outlived him had different plans. His body was put on display during his funeral, and attendees were so outraged at the thought of burying him that the government allowed his body to be embalmed and moved to a mausoleum. Today, visitors are allowed to spend up to 5 minutes viewing the remains of this famous leader.

St. Basil's Cathedral

St. Basil’s Cathedral (also known as the Cathedral of the Intercession of the Virgin by the moat) is an Orthodox church on the Red Square in Moscow and constitutes the symbol or icon of the city. You definitely must visit both its interior and exterior as its architectural style is unique. It was declared in 1990 a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, along with the entire Kremlin. 

You ask, we answer
FAQs about Russia

Who should I ask if I get lost in Russia? Do people speak English?

If you haven't learned to speak Russian yet and find yourself in a difficult situation, you can ask hotel receptionists, guides, translators or any English-speaking people to help you get around and find your way back to the hotel or train station.

In Russia’s big cities, you can buy a map or travel-guide in English with sightseeings. Russian transcription is found in most subways. If you get lost, you can turn to any policeman or passer-by for help. More and more people speak English in Russia with each passing year.

In general, Russia is a safe country, especially if you're traveling as a tourist to large cities (such as Moscow, St. Petersburg, Vladivostok, etc.) or if you are making the Trans-Siberian route. However, there are a number of risk areas in Russia, which is advisable not to travel to: The border with Ukraine.

GSM networks operate in nearly all Russia cities, so mobile phone use across the entire country is generally quite okay. International roaming works fine in most Russian cities, but may come at a high price.

  • Drink alcohol on a street

  • Smoke in a hotel or restaurant

  • Forget your passport

  • Ask somebody’s age and salary

  • Buy a phone from the street

Health Tip: Don't Drink the Tap Water

Even locals don't drink the tap water in Russia. Tap water may be even more dangerous for foreigners.

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