Extraordinary Russia – 15 Tips for Your Russian Holiday

Russia is one country that has undergone a lot of changes in the past decade. From being a communist super power to collapsing into many other states, Russia has survived even in the toughest situations. This is exactly why one should visit Russia because when a country goes through a lot of uncertain major events, it becomes an amazing collection of art, architecture, music, culture etc. of the past, present, and the future.

Out of all the riches and the bankruptcy, stable governments and dictatorships, Russia has evolved as a history loving tourists' dream. It is not just history but also a place of beautiful churches, pristine beaches, snowcapped mountains and lush green plains. The cultural distinctions in Russia is so evident that you will find the culture and traditions different in the East and the West

The best part about Russia is its delicious and mouthwatering cuisine especially its soups. It’s also quite affordable so food isn't a big problem in Russia. It is considered as the world's largest country, with 9 time zones within its borders.

Here are some 15 Tips for Your Russian Holiday from other travelers which you might need before travelling to Russia:

• Mostly, English is not spoken everywhere, so know basic words in Russian or carry an English-to-Russian dictionary with you

• Drinking tap water is not safe in a lot of Russia, use bottled water to limit the risk of water-borne diseases

• Street crime is a problem in some areas of Russia, so like in other shady towns. Don’t travel alone at night in dark places and don’t flaunt valuables in public. Gypsy thieves will try to get money out of you by their tricks, in such a case, just stay alert.

• Some taxis don’t work with a meter, rates are agreed upon before the taxi driver starts driving

• When eating out at restaurants, it is a custom to pay 10-15% tip to the server



• Europe an electricity standards are followed in Russia, The current is 220V

• Currency converters are easily available for tourists

• For making calls, the hotel telephone would be the cheapest for you. Or better yet if you’re carrying a smartphone with you, just make calls (over wifi) using free apps to save money

• If you're travelling in winter, make sure you bring effective snow resistant, anti slip shoes with you

• Keep your passport with you at all times since police can ask you for your passport anytime

• It is best to have a lot of cash instead of credit card in your pocket since a lot of buying is usually done through cash

• Airports are a bit slow in Russia so be sure to get at least 3 hours ahead of your flight time from your hotel to the airport

• Even though Russians are kind and generous people, smiling is not usually a gesture one gives to strangers in Russia. It makes them feel intimidated.

• When in Russia, try to speak Russian (even just a few words and phrases), it will create a huge impact in their behavior. Avoid talking about sensitive subjects such as WWII with the Russians as it may lead to conflicts.

• Leave your worries at home and enjoy your trip!

Get geared up and pack your bags to plan your next holiday to fascinating Russia today!

Have you been to Russia? Feel free to share your tips and recommendations.

Photo Credits (Flickr Creative Commons): St. Petersburg by lyng883/ Red Square by waldec/ Moscow by Achilli Family | Journeys

Five Places to Visit in Moscow

Moscow city is the capital of Russia and the most populous in the country and it is situated on the banks of the Moskva River. The city is 860 year-old and is truly an iconic and global city. There’s a lot of sightseeing to be done once you’re in the city and the city is well known for the amazing architectures of its buildings.

There are so many things to do and see in Moscow but if you have limited time in the city, we suggest that you check out our list of five places to visit in Moscow.

Photo Credits (Flickr CC): Moscow by Dieter Karner

1. Red Square – This is the heart of the city of Moscow and it is among the first destination for most visitors to the city. The place is surrounded by other great sights to see like the world famous St. Basil's Cathedral, the State History Museum and a whole lot more other sights that you shouldn’t miss.

Photo Credits (Flickr CC): Red Square by yeowatzup

2. The Kremlin – This place is impossible to missed, just the vast collection in the Armoury is worth a visit on its own and there are several more stunning churches that you must visit. The ticket costs 700 rubles to visit the armory and 350 rubles to visit everything else. The place also offers guided tours so make sure to arrive early as tickets go on sale 30 minutes before. You may also enter anytime during opening hours without a tour, there are also rotating exhibitions which cost 200 rubles entry.

Photo Credits (Flickr CC): Kremlin by kjunstorm

3. Church of the Ascension – The church was built to commemorate the birth of Ivan the Terrible, and the Kolomenskoye's Church of the Ascension upended the Byzantine style with its wooden conical tower, and proved to be a milestone in the history of the country’s ecclesiastical architecture style. It has enjoyed a spot on the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1994. A nice place to see.

Photo Credits (Flickr CC): Church of the Ascension by Jean and Nathalie

4. Lenin Mausoleum – The place was recently reopened in May 2013, the place is located in the centre of the Red Square. Once you’re in the place remember that you must leave all cameras, phones and bags in the luggage office. The place has a free admission and is open from 10AM to 1PM and is closed Mondays and Fridays.

Photo Credits (Flickr CC): Lenin Mausoleum by yeowatzup

5. Pushkin Museum – This museum is dedicated to the Western art and has one of the world's most significant Impressionist and Post-Impressionist collections, along with some Old Masters. A good place to visit if you’re tired of visiting all those churches in the city and just want to look on some fine arts.

Photo Credits (Flickr CC): Pushkin Museum by e_chaya

These are just some of the places you can check out if you’re in Moscow for a limited time. There are plenty of other interesting sights to see if you spend a couple more days.

Have you been to Moscow? Feel free to share your tips and recommendations.

Ten Places to Visit in Saint Petersburg

St Petersburg is a city in Russia that is located on the Neva River at the head of the Gulf of Finland on the Baltic Sea. It was founded on May 27 1703 by the Tsar Peter the Great. The city is also the second largest city in the Russia. Its name also has been changed for a couple of times as the city was formerly known as Petrograd and later Leningrad. The city is known for it to be one of the most breathtakingly beautiful places on earth, and virtually any building in the large historic center, threaded with canals dotted with baroque bridges. The city is also a UNESCO World Heritage site.

There are so many interesting sights to visit in this city but if you only have a limited time to spare then check out our list of ten places to visit in Saint Petersburg.

1. Russian Museum – The museum is open from 10AM to 6PM daily. The museum has a vast collection of Russian paintings and sculpture and other artworks. The main building displays the main exhibits, and the Russian Museum also oversees the permanent and temporary exhibits at the Stroganov Palace, Marble Palace andMikhailovskiy Castle. The tickets to the museum costs differently for foreigners 350 RR and for Russians 150 RR.

Photo Credits (Flickr CC): Russian Museum by simon31

2. Peter and Paul Fortress - The entrance to the place is free but to enter the church and exhibitions you need tickets. In the church you can see all of the Romanov Czars of Russia from Peter the Great are buried. The church is a must see and the exhibitions are well worth the money.

Photo Credits (Flickr CC): Peter and Paul Fortress by praegerr

3. Museum of Artillery, Combat Engineers and Signal Troops – This place has a huge collection of weapons from the beginning of history until the present, the museum also has an extensive collection of Soviet weaponry from World War 2 and the Cold War. If you like to see a lot of weapons this is the place to go to the place has tanks, ballistic missiles, Katuscha trucks, countless Kalashnikovs.

Photo Credits (Flickr CC): Artillery Museum by pthread1981

4. Ethnographic Museum – The place is just located next to the Russian Museum Mikhailovskiy Palace. The place houses some interesting and educational display of the traditions and costumes of different ethnic groups found in the lands of the former Russian Empire. As usual the fee differs for foreigners 350 RR and for Russians 100 RR.

5. Alexander Nevskiy Monastery – The monastery is located just at the Eastern end of Nevskiy Prospekt next to the River Neva. The place has the Tikhvin Cemetery which contains the tombs of some of the world's most famous composers; Tschaikovsky, Rimsky-Korsakov, Mussorgsky and Borodin, and the author Fyodor Dostoevsky, along with other famous Russian figures.

6. Church of the Saviour on Spilled Blood – The church is a traditional style of Russian church that was built on the spot where Tsar Alexander II was assassinated in 1881. The interior is beautifully decorated with over 6000sqm of mosaics. If you want to take photos of the church its free as long as it’s without a tripod and extra lighting permitted. The entrance fee cost 250 RR.

Photo Credits (Flickr CC): Church of the Saviour on Spilled Blood by The Blackness

7. Our-Lady-of-Kazan Cathedral –The cathedral has a gorgeous neoclassical exterior and beautifully decorated interior. The cathedral houses the tomb of Gen. Kutuzov he was a hero of the war of 1812. The entrance to the cathedral is free.

Photo Credits (Flickr CC): Our-Lady-of-Kazan Cathedral by e_chaya

8. Saint Isaac's Cathedral – The cathedral is located just near to the Admiralty. The place was built in 1818 and it is a major attraction in Saint Petersburg. The cathedral is also the third highest cupola cathedral in the world. The entrance fee to the place costs 300 RR for foreigners and for Russians 120 RR.

Photo Credits (Flickr CC): St. Isaac's Square by jimg944

9. Peter the Great's Cabin – The place is the small wooden cabin that was built for Peter the Great for him when he planned the city, the cabin has been preserved in a small brick building in the district of Petrogradskaya.

10. Loft Project ETAGI –This place is a culture centre located in a five-storey former bakery building with several exhibition spaces. The place held some contemporary art exhibitions, concerts, events and some flea markets.

These are just some of the places you can visit in Saint Petersburg. If you have more time to spend then you’ll be able to explore more this city and discover its hidden charms.

Have you been to Saint Petersburg?? Feel free to share your tips and recommendations.