Russia offers a vast and diverse landscape filled with rich history, cultural treasures, and breathtaking natural wonders. Whether it’s the vibrant energy of Moscow’s Red Square, the fairy-tale charm of St. Petersburg’s palaces, or the untouched beauty of Siberia’s wilderness, there’s something extraordinary to experience. This year, Russia’s top attractions and hidden gems promise unforgettable adventures, from world-class museums to awe-inspiring landscapes. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or an adventure seeker, this guide covers must-visit destinations and unique experiences that make Russia an unmissable travel destination. Keep reading to uncover the best things to do in Russia this year!
Explore the Frozen Beauty of Lake Baikal in Winter
Vast expanses of translucent ice stretch endlessly across the surface, revealing frozen bubbles and intricate cracks beneath. Lake Baikal, the world’s deepest freshwater lake, transforms into an ethereal winter wonderland as temperatures plunge below -30°C. Ice roads replace ferry routes, allowing adventurers to drive over a frozen abyss. Hovercrafts glide across the crystal-clear surface, offering an unmatched perspective of the lake’s surreal patterns. The legendary “Baikal ice caves” along the Olkhon Island coastline shimmer with thick icicles, forming natural sculptures. Dogsledding, ice biking, and even ice diving lure thrill-seekers to experience its otherworldly charm. Indigenous Buryat folklore adds a mystical dimension to this Siberian marvel, with sacred sites dotting its frozen shores. Winter festivals bring locals together, featuring traditional fish markets, ice marathons, and shamanic rituals. Whether trekking along its icy edge or gazing at the endless blue expanse, Baikal’s winter magic is an experience like no other.
Ride the Trans-Siberian Railway on a Scenic Route
A legendary journey spanning over 9,000 kilometers unfolds through the heart of Russia, crossing forests, mountains, and vast tundra. The Trans-Siberian Railway, the longest train route in the world, offers an unparalleled way to witness the country’s raw beauty. Travelers can choose from routes connecting Moscow to Vladivostok, Mongolia, or Beijing, each offering its own breathtaking landscapes. The journey winds past Lake Baikal, the Ural Mountains, and the Siberian taiga, with stops at historic cities like Yekaterinburg and Irkutsk. Life aboard the train is a cultural immersion, with locals sharing homemade food and stories in cozy compartments. In winter, frost-covered landscapes stretch endlessly, while summer brings wildflower-filled meadows. Watching the scenery shift from the window, sipping Russian tea from a traditional samovar, and stepping out at station markets to taste local delicacies make this railway adventure an unforgettable passage through Russia’s vast and diverse terrain.
Step Inside Moscow’s Hidden Soviet-Era Bunker (Bunker-42)
Deep beneath the streets of Moscow, an underground fortress remains frozen in time, untouched by modern life. Bunker-42, a Cold War relic buried 65 meters below ground, was once a top-secret nuclear command center designed to withstand an atomic strike. Today, this decommissioned facility serves as an immersive museum, offering visitors a rare glimpse into Soviet military history. Walking through dimly lit tunnels lined with original communication systems, gas masks, and Soviet propaganda, visitors experience the paranoia of an era dominated by espionage and nuclear threats. Guides in Soviet military uniforms lead tours through war rooms filled with declassified documents and equipment. The highlight of the experience is an interactive nuclear attack simulation, complete with flashing alarms and emergency protocols. For history buffs and thrill-seekers alike, stepping inside Bunker-42 offers a chilling yet fascinating journey into the depths of Soviet secrecy and Cold War-era survival strategies.
Visit the Colorful Kaleidoscope of St. Basil’s Cathedral at Night
Vivid domes rise against the night sky, glowing under golden illumination as Red Square transforms into a mesmerizing scene. St. Basil’s Cathedral, with its swirling patterns and candy-colored spires, becomes even more enchanting after sunset. Built in the 16th century under Ivan the Terrible, this architectural masterpiece stands as a symbol of Russia’s rich cultural heritage. The onion domes, each representing a different chapel, create a striking silhouette against the darkened Kremlin walls. Strolling through the square at night, the cathedral’s reflection shimmers in the wet cobblestones, making it a photographer’s dream. Nearby, the Moscow River’s icy waters mirror the city lights, adding to the spectacle. Unlike the daytime crowds, the evening brings a peaceful atmosphere, allowing visitors to fully appreciate the intricate façade and historic significance. Experiencing St. Basil’s at night offers a unique perspective on Moscow’s most iconic landmark.
Stay in a Wooden Izba in Karelia’s Wilderness
Tucked deep within Russia’s northern forests, rustic wooden cottages stand as a testament to old-world charm and traditional craftsmanship. In Karelia, an untouched wilderness of serene lakes and dense pine forests, staying in a handcrafted izba offers a retreat into nature’s embrace. These log-built houses, constructed using age-old techniques, exude warmth with their thick timber walls and traditional Russian stoves. Crisp air, snow-draped landscapes in winter, and endless greenery in summer make Karelia a year-round destination for nature lovers. Guests can unwind by a crackling fireplace, enjoy homemade Karelian pies, or venture into the wilderness for husky sledding and reindeer encounters. Many izbas sit beside pristine lakes, ideal for ice fishing or midnight summer swims. With minimal light pollution, stargazing here is unparalleled. Far from city noise, an izba stay offers a rare glimpse into rural Russian life, where nature and tradition exist in perfect harmony.
Watch the Scarlet Sails Festival in St. Petersburg
Thousands gather along the Neva River as fireworks explode over illuminated waters, marking the grandest celebration of Russian high school graduates. The Scarlet Sails Festival, an annual event in St. Petersburg, transforms the city into a dreamlike spectacle. A majestic tall ship with striking red sails glides under the open drawbridges, symbolizing new beginnings. Concerts, theatrical performances, and dazzling pyrotechnic displays take over Palace Square, making it one of Europe’s most breathtaking summer events. Rooted in literary tradition, the festival draws inspiration from a 1922 novel by Alexander Grin. Locals and visitors alike flood the embankments to witness the magical moment when the ship sails past Peter and Paul Fortress under a sky ablaze with color. Unlike any other celebration, this one is entirely free for spectators, offering an unforgettable night filled with music, light, and boundless energy in Russia’s cultural capital.
Sail Through the Mysterious Ruskeala Marble Canyon
Sheer marble cliffs rise above emerald-green waters, reflecting centuries of geological transformation. Ruskeala Marble Canyon, a former quarry turned nature reserve, offers an ethereal setting for boating and exploration. Located in Karelia, this breathtaking canyon once supplied marble for St. Petersburg’s palaces, including the Winter Palace and St. Isaac’s Cathedral. Today, its turquoise waters weave through towering rock formations, creating an almost otherworldly atmosphere. Rowboats glide across the lake, offering close-up views of the marble walls, while underground tunnels reveal shimmering mineral veins. In winter, the canyon transforms into a frozen paradise, with ice skating and illuminated caves adding to its allure. For adventure seekers, ziplining over the canyon provides an adrenaline rush with unmatched views. Whether basking in the glow of summer or embracing the frosty magic of winter, Ruskeala’s surreal beauty makes it a must-visit destination in northern Russia.
Take a Night Stroll Across the Drawbridges of St. Petersburg
Glowing reflections dance on the Neva River as massive steel spans slowly rise, unveiling a mesmerizing cityscape. St. Petersburg’s iconic drawbridges open nightly, allowing ships to pass through while creating a spectacular display against the illuminated skyline. The most famous, Palace Bridge, offers a prime vantage point where crowds gather to watch the synchronized lift. Nearby, Trinity Bridge and Liteyny Bridge provide equally stunning views, with golden domes and spires forming a breathtaking backdrop. The tradition of late-night bridge watching has become a local ritual, especially during the White Nights of summer when the sky never fully darkens. Boat cruises offer an even closer perspective, sailing beneath the massive lifted structures. Walking along the embankments, the combination of soft streetlights, historical architecture, and the rhythmic rise of the bridges makes for an unforgettable nocturnal experience in Russia’s most elegant city.
Visit the Underground Ice Caves of Kungur
Frozen tunnels stretch deep beneath the Ural Mountains, revealing a subterranean world sculpted over millennia. The Kungur Ice Cave, one of Russia’s most remarkable geological wonders, features shimmering ice stalactites, crystal-clear underground lakes, and breathtaking frozen formations. Extending over 5.7 kilometers, only a fraction of its labyrinthine chambers are open to visitors, each showcasing unique natural ice sculptures. Winter reigns here year-round, with temperatures inside remaining below freezing even in summer. The ethereal beauty of the Diamond Grotto, where light refracts off icy surfaces, creates a surreal, dreamlike atmosphere. Legends of hidden treasures and mystical spirits add to the cave’s allure, making every tour a blend of nature and folklore. Guided pathways ensure safe exploration while preserving the delicate ice structures. A visit to the Kungur Ice Cave offers an unforgettable journey through Russia’s frozen underworld, where time seems to stand still beneath layers of glacial artistry.
Explore Star City – Russia’s Space Training Center
Cosmonauts have trained for space missions here since the Soviet era, making this hidden facility a dream destination for space enthusiasts. Star City, located near Moscow, serves as Russia’s premier cosmonaut training center, offering an exclusive glimpse into the country’s space exploration legacy. Visitors can step inside the Mir space station simulator, experience a zero-gravity chair, and witness the world’s largest centrifuge used for astronaut endurance training. Original Soyuz spacecraft and space suits worn by legendary cosmonauts like Yuri Gagarin remain on display, showcasing decades of technological advancements. Only accessible by guided tour, the experience provides rare insights into the rigorous preparation required for space travel. Scientists and former astronauts often share firsthand accounts of their journeys beyond Earth’s atmosphere. For those fascinated by spaceflight, Star City offers a rare chance to stand where history was made and see the future of Russian space exploration unfold.
See the Elusive Amber Room in Catherine Palace
Gilded panels shimmer under soft lighting, revealing one of Russia’s greatest historical treasures. The Amber Room, housed in Catherine Palace near St. Petersburg, has a storied past filled with intrigue. Originally constructed in the 18th century for Prussia’s King Frederick I, it was gifted to Russia’s Peter the Great before vanishing during World War II. Painstakingly reconstructed over decades, the current masterpiece dazzles with six tons of amber, gold leaf, and intricate mosaics. Each wall is adorned with delicate carvings and reflective surfaces that glow in warm hues. Visitors can only glimpse its beauty through guided tours, ensuring preservation of the delicate craftsmanship. Every detail, from the Baroque-inspired ornamentation to the legend of its lost panels, adds to the mystique. Standing within this room offers an unparalleled glimpse into Russia’s imperial past, where artistry and history merge in one of the world’s most fascinating restorations.
Take a Scenic Drive Along the Kola Peninsula to the Arctic Ocean
Endless tundra, rugged mountains, and winding coastal roads define one of Russia’s most remote yet breathtaking journeys. The Kola Peninsula, stretching deep into the Arctic Circle, offers a road trip like no other, leading adventurers to the frigid waters of the Arctic Ocean. Along the way, villages of the indigenous Sami people dot the landscape, where reindeer roam freely and traditional wooden homes withstand the extreme climate. The road passes through Murmansk, the world’s largest Arctic city, where Soviet-era icebreakers rest in its bustling port. Northern lights illuminate the sky in winter, while summer brings the surreal glow of the midnight sun. Stopping at Teriberka, a fishing village perched on the ocean’s edge, reveals stark beauty—abandoned ships, icy waves, and the vast, untamed wilderness. A drive through the Kola Peninsula is a rare opportunity to witness Russia’s Arctic frontier in its rawest, most awe-inspiring form.
Hike to the Active Volcanoes of Kamchatka
Towering craters billow steam into the sky, signaling the raw power beneath Kamchatka’s untouched landscapes. Home to over 300 volcanoes, including 29 active ones, this remote peninsula in Russia’s Far East offers one of the most extreme hiking experiences on Earth. The Mutnovsky and Gorely volcanoes, among the most accessible, lead trekkers through surreal lava fields, ice caves, and boiling fumaroles. More daring adventurers can ascend Klyuchevskaya Sopka, Eurasia’s highest active volcano, where glowing lava flows occasionally light up the night. Helicopter tours provide an aerial view of volcanic calderas, acid lakes, and untouched valleys teeming with bears and wild rivers. The region’s geothermal springs offer a natural retreat after a strenuous climb. Kamchatka remains largely untouched by mass tourism, making its volcanic hikes a rare and breathtaking adventure through one of the planet’s last truly wild frontiers.
Ride a Soviet-Era Metro in Moscow Like a Museum Tour
Ornate chandeliers, intricate mosaics, and marble pillars line underground stations that resemble imperial palaces rather than transit hubs. Moscow’s Metro, built during Stalin’s era, is more than just transportation—it’s an architectural marvel. Each station tells a unique story, with Komsomolskaya showcasing golden baroque ceilings, Mayakovskaya featuring futuristic Art Deco arches, and Ploshchad Revolyutsii adorned with bronze statues of Soviet workers. A guided metro tour unveils the historical significance behind these subterranean masterpieces, from Cold War shelters to lavish propaganda displays. Some stations still bear hammer-and-sickle insignias, offering a glimpse into Soviet ideology. Trains arrive every 90 seconds, keeping the city moving efficiently while doubling as a historical showcase. For visitors, exploring the Moscow Metro is like stepping into a living museum, where the grandeur of Russia’s past unfolds beneath the bustling streets, hidden in plain sight.
Attend a Traditional Banya Experience in a Russian Village
Thick steam fills the wooden chamber as birch branches rustle against the skin, following centuries-old wellness rituals. The Russian banya, or steam bath, remains an integral part of village life, blending relaxation with tradition. Unlike modern spas, rural banyas offer a rustic, communal experience where heat, cold plunges, and herbal infusions combine for ultimate rejuvenation. Inside a log-built bathhouse, temperatures soar past 90°C, encouraging deep sweating before an icy dip in a river or snowbank. The practice of venik platza, a light beating with fragrant birch or oak twigs, stimulates circulation and relieves tension. Many village banyas brew herbal teas, infusing the air with calming aromas of mint and chamomile. More than just a cleansing ritual, the banya serves as a social gathering place where stories are shared between rounds of steaming and cooling. Stepping out, muscles relaxed and mind refreshed, the experience lingers long after the final plunge.