Discover the Charm of Russia: Top 10 Cities You Can’t Miss

Russia is a country that has the feeling of stepping into a storybook. With a breathtaking fairytale like architecture, a community of many different cultures, and a vast landscape between snowy mountains to golden beaches, this country gets the attention of anyone who visits. Russia is the place where you can find everything you need: history, adventure, or arts, all the things that will suit for any type of travellers. It is important before you set out on your journey to ensure you have a Russia Visa from UAE to start the adventure.

Russia is a country with a very large size, century’s old heritage and so many amazing cities, each city has its own character and personality. Imperial architecture in some cities, modern in others, untouched natural beauty in others. This guide offers a list of ten best cities you must see when traveling through Russia, each city offers a different view of this amazing country.

Here are the Top 10 Cities You Can’t Miss in Russia 

1. Moscow

Moscow is a city of history and innovation. It is the capital city, and well known world famous landmarks like the Kremlin and Red Square are located here. Along with its famous buildings, Moscow has attracted visitors with its stylish cafes, world class museums and efficient metro system, which also serves as an underground art gallery. Moscow is on every minute of the day, every day, it’s always buzzing and never ceases to offer endless exploration for first timers and returning visitors alike.

2. St. Petersburg

St. Petersburg is often called Russia’s cultural capital and it dazzles with its elegant canals, majestic palaces and museums full of masterpieces. Peter the Great founded the city and it is linked with literature, ballet and classical music. But a visit here doesn’t end without visiting the Hermitage Museum, walking along Nevsky Prospect, and watching the sunset by the Neva.

3. Kazan

Kazan is a gorgeous mixture of Russian and Tatar cultures. The city lies along the Volga River with colorful mosques, churches and the grand Kazan Kremlin. It is a city with religious harmony and excellent culinary traditions. Kazan is a very interesting Russian city for those who seek to discover the cultural depth, and the peaceful coexistence of the diverse communities gives it a truly unique personality among Russian cities.

4. Sochi

The sunniest destination in Russia is Sochi, which also hosted the 2014 Winter Olympics on the Black Sea. In the mountains, you can ski, and in the same day, on the beach, all in the same day. Lush parks, scenic promenades and health resorts can be found in the city, the city is quite popular among nature lovers and wellness travelers. For the year round retreat, Sochi is a vibrant energy with a mild climate.

5. Vladivostok

Rugged and maritime in charm, this Pacific coastal city is no ordinary one. Vladivostok is the last stop on the Trans-Siberian Railway, and is normally a dream destination for train enthusiasts. It has its own personality with a harbor view, suspension bridges and seafood cuisine. Panoramic views are on offer from Eagle’s Nest Hill and there are Asian and Russian influences throughout the city.

6. Yekaterinburg

The historic and modern blend of Yekaterinburg, on the European and Asian border, is quite interesting. The city is known to be the last place where the Romanov family lived and is rich in historical importance. It also has a flourishing art, music scene, hip cafes and live performances that contribute energetic youth to its urban centre. For travelers who want depth as well as diversity in one destination, it is an ideal stop.

7. Novosibirsk

Novosibirsk is the third largest city of Russia and capital of Siberia, a dynamic urban centre close to nature. It has a great mix of cultural attractions (a stunning opera house, science museums and a cozy riverfront area) among other things. It is youthful and hospitable due to its fresh and rising infrastructure. A perfect place for those who would like to get away from the usual tourist spots.

8. Nizhny Novgorod

It is a historic city located at the intersection of Volga and Oka Rivers, which itself is pretty scenic and culturally rich. The ancient Kremlin, wooden houses and colourful churches are all associated with Nizhny Novgorod. It also has a great significance in the history and literature of Russia. The riverbanks are peaceful, the markets are bustling, and the architecture restored. It is a wonderful city for a relaxed and educational visit.

9. Irkutsk

Irkutsk is also known as “Paris of Siberia” because of its charming historic character and elegant wooden architecture. It is the principal entrance to Lake Baikal, one of Russia’s most famous natural sights. Located a bit away from the city center, travelers often use this as a base of operations before embarking into the wild, but the city itself is full of fascinating streets, museums, and friendly atmosphere where generations of cultural exchange have gripped.

10. Kaliningrad

Kaliningrad is a Russian metropolis with European influences. It is a protestant country that has Italian and German style buildings, fairy tale like German style market square Gothic cathedrals and beautiful Baltic beaches that are nestled between Poland and Lithuania. It is also the world capital of amber and a place with a fascinating museum devoted to the ‘sunstone.’ If you are interested in the other side of Russia, even with a bit of Europe in every corner, Kaliningrad is a great place to explore.

Conclusion

Russia never fails to impress with its historical landmarks, its many towns and cultures. This list of destinations has each one of them with a specific personality, giving you a rich mix of experiences. Be it touring the grand architecture of Moscow, either the artistic display of St. Petersburg, or the series of pleasures in Sochi along the coasts, you will definitely have life time memories when visiting Russia.

A major step to complete before packing your bags is your Russia Visa. The earlier your visa is secured, the less stressful your travel will be. When that’s in place you’re all set to trek into the magic, mystic, and charm of Russia’s greatest charming cities? And enjoy every moment of your Russian journey safe travels.