Travel Tips Russia’s Top Destinations, From Historic Spots to Resorts

Russia is a massive nation, but sadly, many visitors miss some of the finest treasures Russia has to offer. In addition to traditional, historic destinations such as the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia features modern resorts and sites devoted to enjoying nature, rather than exploring Russia’s past. Although some of these destinations are off the beaten path in Russia, they are well worth the trip and and provide a unique, unforgettable adventure.Sochi: Sochi is known for being the largest resort city in Russia, and it isn’t just the size of Sochi that stands out. Despite what you may think about the traditional Russian weather, Sochi offers a subtropical, Mediterranean climate, which makes it well-suited to enjoy its fine pebble and sand beaches. Sochi is also located near the stunning Caucasus Mountains and attracts two million visitors each summer.St. Petersburg: This city was the capital of the Russian Empire for more than two centuries, and is now a cultural center, as St. Petersburg hosts a wide array of arts festivals throughout the year. St. Petersburg houses more than 50 theaters, an exhaustive list of museums, and numerous historic sights and architectural attractions.Kazan: This site is often referred to as Russia’s third capital, and features the Kazan Kremlin, a World Heritage Site. In addition to these attractions, Kazan is the sports capital of Russia. In addition, the city features a large number of architectural attractions, such as the Vernicle temple.Lake Baikal: This lake, like much of Russia, has a rich heritage; it is the world’s oldest and deepest lake, and contains 20 percent of the entire world supply of fresh surface water. While Lake Baikal is a biologist’s dream, with more than 1,000 species of plants and 1,550 species of animals, you don’t need an advanced degree to enjoy Lake Baikal, as is a major tourist destination as well.Moscow: No list of Russian destinations would be complete without the inclusion of Moscow. This city offers a significant portion of the nation’s cultural attractions, such as the Bolshoi and Mariinsky theaters, Saint Basil’s Cathedral, and the State Tretyakov Gallery. You could easily spend weeks in Moscow without seeing everything the city has to offer.