Russia is one of the most important countries in the world and has the title of the largest country in the world. This country has many tourist and historical attractions. Russia is located in North Eurasia, North Asia and Eastern Europe. In most months of the year, this country sees many tourists. Russian tourists often buy plane tickets and travel to this country.
Russia has a lot of cultural diversity. In fact, by traveling to Russia, you can see a set of different cultures up close and at the same time visit its historical and touristic places.
Traveling is one of the best pastimes with which you can learn more about the culture of different countries. Before traveling, having enough information will help you to travel to your desired country more easily. In the travel guide to Russia, you can get acquainted with tourist attractions, practical knowledge, weather conditions, etc.
Introduction of Russia
Introduction of Russia
Russia is the largest country in the world and the ninth most populous country in the world and shares a blue border with the Pacific Ocean, the Arctic Ocean, the Caspian Sea, the Baltic Sea and the Black Sea. Russia has an area of more than seventeen million square kilometers. In such a way that the easternmost point of this country has a time difference of about 9 hours with its westernmost point. Most of the territory of Russia is made up of uninhabited areas.
Russia neighbors North Korea, Mongolia, China, and Kazakhstan in Southeast Asia. This country borders Azerbaijan and Georgia from the southwest. In the west, Russia is bordered by Ukraine, Belarus, Estonia, Latvia, Norway, Finland, Poland and Lithuania.
Russia is often cold due to its specific climatic and geographical conditions. Russia is an industrialized country and like other large and industrialized countries, it has an independent and new economy, science and culture. Moscow is the capital of this country and like other capitals of major countries in the world, it is very advanced and big.
Due to the fact that Russia is a cold country, there is very little agricultural activity. Most of the country’s economy is provided through industrial activities.
When is the best time to travel to Russia?
When is the best time to travel to Russia?
Russia is a country that you can visit in any season and time; You will enjoy it to the fullest. But one of the important points in the travel guide to Russia is introducing the best time to travel to Russia.
The most popular time to visit big Russian cities like Moscow and St. Petersburg is in the summer. Of course, with great weather, this season is the peak of tourism and the travel costs are slightly higher.
If you don’t like crowds, but you like warm and sunny weather, April and May, late September and Mehr are more suitable choices.
To enjoy the shores of the Baltic Sea, you have to endure the crowds and travel to Russia in June, July and August.
And if you like skiing and winter sports, you should visit Moscow from December to March. In this period of several months, you will see snowfall many times.
Practical knowledge
• Russian visa
No special conditions are required to get a Russian tourist visa. A visa can be obtained with the help of Russian tour agencies. The validity period of this visa is often equal to the duration of the tour. The cost of obtaining this visa is charged by the tour organizing company. Travelers of some countries do not need an interview, financial documents, fingerprints, etc. to get a visa. Russian visa is not rejected most of the time. To get a visa, you will need a valid passport, a photo, a plane ticket, a return commitment form and a hotel voucher.
• Currency
The currency of Russia is the ruble. The ruble was the currency of the Soviet Union, and today, in addition to Russia, this currency is also used in countries such as Belarus and Transistoria. Currently, 6 types of banknotes and 10 types of coins are popular in this country.
There are 5, 10, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000 and 5000 ruble banknotes in Russia.
• Local time
Russia is a very wide country, and there is a 9-hour time difference from east to west. In general, Russia has 9 time zones. The European part of this country is 1 hour behind Moscow. Eastern Russia is 8 hours ahead of Moscow.
• Official language
The main language of this country, which is also recognized, is Russian. The Russian language belongs to the East Slavic family. In addition to Russia, the Russian language is recognized in Belarus, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. Russian language is the most widespread language in the Eurasian region and more than 258 million people use this language around the world.
• Religion of the people of Russia
There are various religions in this country, the people of this country are mostly Christians, Jews, Muslims and Buddhists. 50% of the people of this country believe in Christianity.
• Entertainment style
Russia is a very big country and its entertainment is very wide and diverse. Part of these entertainments is related to visiting museums, churches, galleries, palaces, parks, historical monuments, etc. Another part of it is spent spending time in natural attractions such as the unique gardens and forests of this country.
Free and very fun music festivals are held in Russia. These festivals are performed in some clubs or clubs, which can be a very good entertainment. One of the most popular pastimes in Istanbul is ice skiing. If you travel to this country in winter, you must experience the joy of ice skiing.
• Type of municipal electricity
In Russia, voltages of 220 to 240 volts can be supported. The plugs of this country have two pins and are compatible with type F, E and C sockets.
Russian tourist cities
Russian tourist cities
Russia has complex country divisions. Explaining it will only confuse you. But in this vast country, there are more than 20 big cities. Some of them are introduced below.
Moscow
Moscow – the capital of Russia
Moscow is the capital of Russia, the largest city in Russia and the European continent. Moscow, with its historical grandeur, has made many tourists choose this city as a destination for their trip to Russia. Visiting Russian tourist attractions in Moscow is full of charm. The Kremlin and Red Square are undoubtedly the most prominent attraction of this Russian metropolis. Also stunning is Saint Basil’s Cathedral in Moscow. Just walk in this city and you will see many buildings, museums, statues and monuments of the Soviet Union. Moscow has more than 600 Orthodox churches. Wherever you look in the city, you can see the golden domes of these churches standing out in the sunlight. Moscow is famous worldwide for its performing arts, ballet and opera. If you go to one of these performances once; You will never forget the pleasure you get from watching them. Above all, Moscow is full of restaurants, cafes and bars that cater to all tastes.
Saint Petersburg
Saint Petersburg – the capital of the Russian tsars
Saint Petersburg, Russia has changed its name many times since 1703 until today. This city used to be the capital of the Russian tsars, and then it hosted the communist revolution and was surrounded by the Nazis. Saint Petersburg has a turbulent history. Beautiful palaces and museums and churches and buildings with attractive architecture are the results of these changes in government in St. Petersburg. Faberge Museum, Alexander Nevsky Monastery, Russian State Museum, Errata Museum of Contemporary Art, Mariinsky Theater, Yusupov Palace, State Hermitage Museum, Peterhof Grand Palace, Peter Castle and Bridge and many others in the list of Russian tourist attractions and of course among the most important places to visit. St. Petersburg is located.
Parks, rivers, canals and nature of St. Petersburg make this city suitable for tourism in Russia. New Holland Island, Catherine Palace and Park, Summer Garden, Mikhailovsky Garden and Victoria Park are among the natural beauties of St. Petersburg.
Kazan
Kazan – the capital of Tatars
Kazan is the capital of Tatars. For this reason, it is one of the most popular cities in Russia. Slavic Russians make up the majority of Kazan’s population and have a fascinating culture. In Kazan, you can see the domes of the churches next to the minarets of the mosques. Street signs are written in two languages and all these signs show people with different cultures and religions but united in this city. Kazan is developing rapidly, yet it has preserved its traditional identity.
One of the Russian tourist attractions in Kazan is the Kazan Kremlin, which is the only remaining fortress of the Tatars in Russia. Go to the Kazan Hermitage and learn about classical art there. You will learn about the history of Islam in the Volga region at the Kul Sharif Mosque Museum, and if you want to see interfaith unity on your trip to Russia, visit the Kazan Temple of All Religions. Peter and Paul Cathedral, Zilant the Dragon, Rafia Monastery, Chak Chak Museum, Moses Jalil Monument, Nizhny Kaban Lake and many more are in Kazan which make the trip to Russia enjoyable.
Yekaterinburg
Yekaterinburg city in russia
Many important events have happened in Yekaterinburg, Russia. In this city, the Romanovs were executed and Boris Yeltsin came to power. Being located near the Ural mountains, this city was the target of miners. They came to Yekaterinburg hoping to get rich. This city has many historical and cultural places for tourists to enjoy. Yekaterinburg International Airport is always busy as many still go there in search of gems in the Ural Mountains.
Sochi
Sochi – tourist city in Russia
Sochi, next to the Black Sea, hosted the Olympic Games in 2014, which is why many investments were made to improve tourist facilities and services in this city. Beach resorts, parks and upscale restaurants make Sochi an attractive destination in Russia. This city becomes very expensive in the summer, which is the peak season of tourism, with a large number of Russian tourist attractions. Sochi has more beautiful nature than historical places. If you go to Sochi during your trip to Russia, visit Stalin’s Villa, Sochi Art Museum, City History Museum, Sochi Aquarium, Ritza Lake, Musical Fountains, 33 Waterfalls and Akhon Mountain.
Suzdal
Suzdal – Russia travel guide
The best way to have a traditional Russian experience on your trip to Russia is to visit the city of Suzdal. Suzdal is considered the most Russian city in Russia. This city, which is located about 200 km from Moscow, with its beautiful ancient churches, wooden houses and lovely nature, is the destination of many tourists traveling to Russia. Only if you plan to travel to this city, make sure to book a hotel in advance.
Russia has other famous cities, which may need a separate article to explain each of them. Vladivostok, Irkutsk, Nizhny Novgorod, Volgograd, Veliky Novgorod, Krasnodar, Kaliningrad, Smolensk, Ufa, Novosibirsk, other cities.
Famous Russian dishes
Russia has people with different cultures and tastes, this has led to the emergence of many different foods. In the following, we will introduce the best Russian dishes.
Borscht
Borscht
Borscht is one of the most famous Russian dishes made from beets. Boresh looks like a soup. This dish is very popular among Russian people and tourists and has become a traditional and native dish in this country. Calf thigh, sweet beet and sour cream are the main ingredients of this soup. Many recipes include bacon, herbs, and vinegar. This dish is often served in winter.
Dressed Herring
Dressed Herring
As you can see, this dish has a strange name, but it is one of the most popular dishes in Russia. This dish is often cooked during official holidays, Eids, festivals, etc. Fish, potatoes, carrots, beets, onions and mayonnaise are the main ingredients of this dish.
Pelmeni
Russian Pelmeni Meat Dumplings
This food is very nutritious and energizing. Russian people cook this dish at the beginning of the New Year. Cooking pelmeni is very difficult and time-consuming, that’s why all family members should help each other to prepare it. This food is the best Russian food and it is made of doughs that are filled with beef, bacon, lamb, etc. There are also fresh and aromatic vegetables in this recipe.
Beef Stroganoff
Beef Stroganoff
This dish is world famous and is even cooked in Iran and its restaurants. This dish consists of meat, cream, Korean sauce, mustard, etc. and is one of the most popular dishes among tourists. You can find this popular dish in all Russian fast food and restaurants.
Travel guide to Russia Zero to one hundred trips to Russia
Blini
Russian Blini
Turkish Bellini is very famous. This dish is also called Russian pancake and it is served both for breakfast and for main meals. Bellini consists of thin and flavored dough. Caviar, cream, cheese, etc. are used in these pastes. If you visit Russian restaurants for breakfast, you can enjoy Russian pancakes with cream, honey, jam, etc.
Mushroom julienne
Mushroom julienne
This dish is served hot and consists of pieces of mushrooms flavored with sour cream. This mushroom is baked in the oven and topped with pizza cheese. Sometimes Russian cooks combine some meat, fish, chicken, etc. with it. Julien’s mushroom food is very tasty and many tourists are interested in this food.
The best restaurants in Russia
White Rabbit Restaurant in Moscow
Restaurants such as Pushkin Cafe, Doctor Zhivago and White Rabbit in Moscow, Palkin Restaurant, Abajur Cafe, Chekhov Restaurant, Philibert Cafe and Ukrop Restaurant in St. Petersburg, Malabar, Priot Khlustyaka, Pashmir and Khleb i Vino restaurants in Kazan, Gastroli, Nigora and Macaroni in Yekaterinburg is one of the good restaurants in Russia.
Intercity transportation on a trip to Russia
Intercity transportation on a trip to Russia
All small and large cities in Russia have access to air transportation that you can use. More than 100 airlines provide services in Russia. Just do the necessary research about the company’s facilities and its security before booking.
If you travel shorter distances in Russia, traveling by Russian train is the best option. The Russian railway network is extensive and of high quality. Intercity buses in Russia are modern and with high facilities. Most buses in Russia are equipped with Wi-Fi, TV and have reclining seats. The bus is cheaper than the train, but you will spend more time on the trip.
If you plan to travel by car in Russia, be aware that Russian roads are not very developed and are usually crowded. In addition, Russia is a big country and the distance between cities should not be underestimated. Of course, excellent services are provided in intercity routes. In winter, most roads in the east of the country are blocked or very slippery due to snowfall. For this reason, if you plan to drive on a trip to Russia, be sure to get enough information about the safety of the roads and the weather.
Russian SIM cards
Russian SIM cards
If you want to stay in Russia for a while, it is better to get SIM cards for this country so that you don’t have to worry about communication. It is not possible to receive other SIM cards in Russia, and these SIM cards practically stop working in Russia. Russia has several mobile operators that are not very different from each other. We will introduce them in the following.
• Megaphone
• Balance sheet
• MTS
Trap 2
The cost of Russian SIM cards depends on the type and capacity of the SIM card and is different. These SIM cards cost 150 to 300 rubles. No matter how much you spend, your SIM card has an initial charge. If you have purchased Russian MTS and Megaphone SIM cards, you can find out the amount of charge by dialing *100.
You can dial the pre-number *102 to know the charge amount of Bilan SIM cards. To use the internet, you can get mobile internet packages for your SIM card, but if you are staying in this country for a long time, it is better to use small mobile modems because they have more affordable prices than SIM card internet.
To buy a Russian SIM card, you can go to the mobile phone operator’s stores in the city. There are also branches of these stores in Russian airports.
Russian souvenirs
Russian souvenirs
Russia is a vast country and each part of it has its own culture. Each of the Russian cities has a type of traditional and artistic items according to the specific culture, which tourists buy and take as souvenirs.
Matryoshka doll
One of the most famous souvenirs of this country is the Matryoshka doll. The Russian name of this doll is inspired by the two names Matryona and Matryusha, meaning grandmother. The collection of matryoshka dolls consists of several girls with local and special clothes, each of which has different dimensions and sizes. These dolls are nested inside each other. The sex of these dolls is different. Some of them are wooden, ceramic, porcelain, etc. Matryoshka doll is considered as a symbol of Russia.
Russian Khokhloma dishes
Russian Khokhloma dishes
these dishes have a very beautiful and unique design. These products are made of wood and most of them have golden color. Beautiful traditional designs have been created on these wooden dishes. The golden color of these products comes from a special composition that is baked in the oven. The traditional design of these dishes consists of flowers, red seeds, flower bushes and raspberries, etc.
3. Russian valenki: these products are a type of felt boots or so-called clogs that date back to more than 1500 years ago. These products are designed for walking on ice and freezing cold days. These products are not waterproof, but their material is such that they protect the feet against extreme cold.
Russian Decorative boxes
Russian Decorative boxes
One of the most beautiful souvenirs of Russia are boxes that have a very delicate design and beautiful paintings on them. The designs on these boxes are often inspired by old stories and legends.
Russian Amber
Russian Amber
Amber is a precious and very beautiful stone that is extracted from the gum of trees. This underwater gum has turned into a hard and beautiful substance over the past few years. According to the beliefs of the people of this country, besides the decorative aspect, amber also has positive properties. The largest mine of amber stones is located in Russia, that’s why this precious stone is found in abundance in Russia. These stones are used as earrings, necklaces, rings, etc.
Russian Local dress
Russian Local dress
Russian local scarves are very famous. These headscarves became popular at the same time as the introduction of Christianity in Russia. The design of these scarves consists of colorful oriental and traditional patterns. Most of the Russian scarves have dark backgrounds such as navy blue with cheerful flowers and bright colors drawn on it.
Other souvenirs of this country include bags, shoes and clothes made of leather, Russian chocolate, decorative samovars, traditional dishes, caviar, crystal, fur hats with ears (Oshanka) and so on.
Russian national events and celebrations
Before buying a plane ticket to Russia, it is better to check its calendar and travel to this country during national holidays and special occasions. Many festivals and celebrations are held in this country. In the following, we will mention some of the most important occasions in Russia.
Christian New Year
Christmas in Russia corresponds to January 7. For this reason, January 1 to 5 is considered as a New Year holiday. New Year’s Eve in Russia is very beautiful and unique. Elaborate firework ceremonies are held in all the streets of this country and shopping malls have great sales until the end of the holiday. Some Russians consider January 14 as Christmas Day.
Easter
Easter is the spring festival that is celebrated in different countries. This celebration is more important than Christmas in Russia. On this day, the streets of Russia are decorated and colored eggs are sold. This celebration has special foods and people celebrate and dance in churches and streets.
Motherland Protection Day
This day corresponds to the Army Day in the former Soviet Union. The people of this country honor this day for the retired and serving soldiers as well as those who were killed in the war. This day is a combination of Army Day, National Day and Men’s Day in Russia.
Maslenitsa celebration
This celebration does not have a religious origin and over time it was merged with Russian Orthodox beliefs. This festival is held every winter in a week at the end of February. After the end of this week, the fasting period begins. In this celebration, people eat and drink dairy and tonic products. Russian people spread big and colorful tables and invite their relatives.
victory day
One of the most important national holidays of Russia is Victory Day. This celebration is held on the occasion of the Soviet Union’s victory over the Nazis in World War II. The army performs a very magnificent and spectacular parade on this day. This celebration is held on May 9 and all people celebrate it.
Russia Day
Another national holiday of this country is Russia Day, which is celebrated on June 12. This day was officially included in Russian calendars since 2002. This celebration is held on the occasion of the independence of Russia.
Other important events and national celebrations of this country include International Women’s Day on March 8 and National Unity Day.
Essential phone numbers in Russia
Country phone code: +7
Police: 102
Fire department: 101
Ambulance: 103
Security in Russia
In general, Russia is a safe country for tourists. There are many things that have increased security in this country. Streets and public places such as stores and… are equipped with surveillance tools in this country. Russia has many advanced CCTV cameras. Also, the carrying of weapons in Russia has strict rules and the Russian police has provided adequate security in its main cities. But naturally, it is better to be present in the touristic and central parts of the cities.
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