All Things Bright And Beautiful - In Russia

Russia – the largest country in the world, in terms of area – is just too big to be explored in one visit. Take your pick between visiting the major cities or going off the beaten track and exploring the Steppes grasslands, the Siberian wilderness, the Ural Mountains that separate Europe from Asia or the remote Russian Far East. If you are making a short trip to Russia, its two major cities are enough to keep you occupied for several days. Our expert recommends the top things to do in Moscow and St. Petersburg.

Moscow – The Vibrant Capital

Moscow is a city of ancient buildings and monuments that effortlessly rub shoulders with edgy galleries, boutiques and cafes. For history buffs, a visit to the Red Square is a must – flanked by the Kremlin, Russia’s seat of power and the 16^th century Saint Basil’s Cathedral, which is practically the symbol of Russia.

For culture vultures, the Pushkin Fine Arts Museum is definitely worth a visit. A large selection of artwork, mostly by European maestros, is on display as is a notable archeological and numismatic collection. Opposite the museum is the tallest Orthodox Christian church in the world, the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour.

Last but not the least; don’t leave Moscow without visiting Gorky Park – a three kilometre stretch along the Krymsky river. Being Russia’s famous amusement park, it features several rides, a carousel, a skating rink as well as an ornamental garden. Gorky Park is a veritable fun fair.

St. Petersburg – Russia’s ‘Window to the West’

The Russian tsar, Peter the Great, built this magnificent city in the neo-classical style of the Italians. Today, St. Petersburg boasts of some of the most beautiful buildings in Russia. Nowhere is this more evident than in its number one attraction – The State Hermitage Museum. One of the greatest museums of the world with an unparalleled collection of art masterpieces, a day spent here is nearly not enough to appreciate it completely.

One of the very first buildings in St. Petersburg, the Peter & Paul Fortress is another attraction worth seeing. This prison museum has held many famous writers and revolutionaries in its long history. The iconic cathedral here is also worth visiting as is the “beach” on the riverside.

The golden dome of St. Petersburg’s largest Russian Orthodox cathedral – St. Isaac’s Cathedral – dominates the city’s skyline. Its ornate and extremely lavish interiors will surely enthrall you as will the state museum covering the four major cathedrals in the city. One of these is the Church of Our Saviour on the Spilled Blood, also known as Church of the Resurrection. The church was built on the site where the Russian tsar Alexander II was assassinated, hence its gory name. Built according to medieval Russian architecture, this church differs from the other buildings in St. Petersburg. Colourful on the outside and almost entirely covered with mosaics on the inside, the church is a big draw for visitors.

If you’re heading to Russia any time soon, check out these holiday packages to Russia and book your flight tickets to Russia on MakeMyTrip.