• By: NP Traveller
• May 02, 2025
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Top 5 Must-See Destinations in Russia: From Moscow’s Iconic Landmarks to Lake Baikal’s Natural Wonders

Author: Alka

If you want to enter a world of grandeur and wonder- Russia is calling! It’s time to witness the fairytale cities and breathtaking wilderness. Russia is your canvas, and we’ve painted it with the top 5 destinations you’ve got to experience! Get  ready and put your seat belts for a whirlwind of culture, beauty, and hidden treasures in these places:

1. Moscow’s Red Square and Kremlin: Moscow is the capital city of Russia and one of its prominent cultural, political, and economic centers. It’s obvious that this city offers abundance to its visitors, but even if you explore Red Square and the Kremlin, you get an idea of the true essence that it holds to captivated tourists. Red Square is called the heart and soul of Moscow as it’s surrounded by huge walking streets with the country’s most famous landmarks.

• Red Square: Admire the St.Basil’s Cathedral with its colorful domes, and you can also explore the State Historical Museum for insights into Russia’s rich past. You can head towards Lenin’s Mausoleum, a place where the embalmed body of Vladimir Lenin, the founder of the Soviet Union is preserved. There’s so much this place offers for sightseeing that you won’t feel bored. After lunch, explore GUM, the historic shopping mall, and stroll along Tverskaya Street, one of Moscow’s main thoroughfares lined with shops, cafes, and cultural landmarks.

• Kremlin: Head over to the Kremlin, the historic heart of Moscow, and explore its Cathedrals, the Grand Kremlin Palace, and the Armory Chamber. Don’t miss the Tsar Bell and Tsar Cannon, two monumental symbols of Russia’s imperial history.

2. St.Petersburg and the Hermitage Museum: It’s time to embark on a journey to Russia’s imperial city known for its extravagant palaces, breathtaking cathedrals, and magnificent gardens at every turn. Explore and experience some of the country’s most extravagant architecture by strolling along Nevsky Prospect, the city’s main avenue. You can take a relaxing boat ride through the canals of St.Petersburg to admire the city’s beautiful architecture from the water.

• The Hermitage Museum: Going away from the city without even visiting the highlight? Your tour of the city won’t be completed without visiting the world-renowned Hermitage Museum, one of the largest and most prestigious art museums in the world. The museum is located on the banks of the Neva River and houses an expansive complex of six buildings, including the former residences, connected by a series of elegant halls and galleries. You will get to see a vast collection of over 3 million artworks. The museum accommodated a collection of European masterpieces including works by Leonardo da Vinci, and Michelangelo, among others.

3. Lake Baikal: Let’s head towards the “Pearl of Siberia” where you can get to see the world’s deepest and oldest freshwater lake with stunning natural beauty and rich cultural significance. Listvyanka village is a popular gateway to the lake(about 70 km from Irkutsk city). There is no local transport in the village, so the only option left with you is to walk through the paths and enjoy the sunset. The Lake scenery is breathtaking, especially in winter when the lake freezes over, and you can walk on the ice or take a ride on an icebreaker. You can visit the Shaman Rock, a sacred site on the lake’s shore, and take a boat tour on Lake Baikal. Don’t worry about the accommodation as there are Siberian wooden guesthouses for you to stay in for a more immersive experience. Take a ferry to Olkhon Island, the largest island on Lake Baikal (it takes about 5-6 hours to reach the island from Listvyanka) which offers panoramic views of the lake. If you choose your trip in the winter months, you can enjoy activities like kayaking, boating, fishing, hiking, skiing, and snowboarding.

4. Golden Ring Tour: This tour takes you through a chain of historic towns northeast of Moscow, renowned for their ancient churches, monasteries, and traditional architecture. It’s most convenient to take a car for this tour.

• Moscow to Sergiev Posad: The highlight of this trip is the UNESCO World Heritage site Trinity Lavra of St.Sergius, famous for its 15th-century icons. You can also explore the peaceful monastery grounds. For kids, a Toy Museum features a vast collection of traditional Russian toys and crafts.

• Sergiev Posad to Pereslavl-Zalessky: Visit the lake Pleschcheyevo, a scenic lake known for its tranquil beauty and connection to ancient Russian history.

• Pereslavl-Zalessky to Rostov Veliky: In Lake Nero, enjoy a peaceful stroll while capturing beautiful photos. You can also visit the various museums and cathedrals here.

• Rostov Veliky to Yaroslavl: Visit the Church of Elijah the Prophet- a masterpiece of Russian architecture with vivid frescoes.

• Yaroslavl to Kostroma: Head to the Museum of Wooden Architecture showcasing traditional wooden houses, churches, and windmills.

• Kostroma to Vladimir via Suzdal: Visit the Golden Gate that once served as the main entrance to Vladimir.

• Vladimir to Moscow via Bogolyubovo: Visit the Church of the Intercession on the Nerl- a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its serene setting and iconic architecture.

5. Kamchatka: It’s a “Land of Fire and Ice” renowned for its active volcanoes, hot springs, geysers, rugged coastlines, and diverse wildlife. Take an evening stroll around the city and enjoy the views of Avacha Bay and nearby volcanoes. It’s a complete option to include Kamchatka Regional Museum into your itinerary which takes you to the region’s history, culture, and geology. Take a helicopter tour to the Valley of Geysers, one of the largest geyser fields in the world. You can sample local cuisine while visiting a local ethnographic center to learn about the indigenous people. Continue to Gorely Volcano for a shorter hike to its craters filled with emerald-green lakes.

CONCLUSION

You cannot plan your tour without including these destinations in your itineraries- they are an invitation to connect with nature, culture, and the spirit of exploration. Ready to explore? Don’t think too much as we’ve set all for you as these unforgettable adventures leave a lasting mark on your soul!