Top 50 Best Things to Do in Russia
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Top 50 Best Things to Do in Russia

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Trip.Best is a collection of travel rankings that takes into account the travel choices and genuine preferences of hundres of millions of Trip.com users. It is updated monthly based on real data.
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  • Winter Palacetop_1
    󰺂8.6
    30.86
    Saint Petersburg
    trip best small logoFeatured in 2026 Europe 50 - Night Attractions
    Highlights:
    󰋄Boat tour during White Nights
    󰀆Concerts at Winter Palace Theatre
    󱨠Saved by 239 users󱨠609 positive reviews
    4.8/5
    je ne sais quoije ne sais quoi

    Last month I visited Russia and I was in the grand imperial city of Saint Petersburg. At the heart of Saint Petersburg stood the Winter Palace, built in the 18th century and it served as the imperial residence of the Romanov dynasty for over 150 years. Inside is the Hermitage Museum, established by Catherine the Great and it contains art and collections from all over the world. It is one of the largest palaces in the world, and to see everything in the Hermitage properly would actually take you 11 years.It is highly recommended that you purchase a ticket online before going as the queues are normally significant especially on weekends.Inside the Hermitage the highlights of the palace complex are the Jordan Staircase, the Throne Room and the 1812 Gallery which are unmissable and you must take some nice photos there.As for the collections, there are really a lot so you got to prioritise which ones to explore as you likely only have a few hours there. For me I focused largely on the Russian element as well as the rare collections from Central Asia, Mongolia, the Caucasus and the Silk Road as those are not commonly found in Western art museums and more specific to Russia due to the historical links to the former empire.Regardless of how you choose to explore the Winter Palace, a trip here is a must once in your lifetime!#russia #russia_pics #saintpetersburg #winterpalace #hermitage #hermitagemuseum

  • The Moscow Kremlintop_2
    󰺂8.3
    61.72
    Moscow
    trip best small logoFeatured in 2026 Europe 50 - Night Attractions
    Highlights:
    󰀆Red Square views & Lenin's Tomb
    󰋄Red walls & cityscape within
    󱨠Saved by 427 users󱨠492 positive reviews
    4.8/5
    云中雨,云中雨云中雨,云中雨

    It is worth recommending here, but the self-funded project of 500 yuan can be tried, value for money, there are 3 churches inside to visit outside there are artillery kings and giant bells can also browse the Russian Parliament Building, Putin Office Building, National Military and Ring Bureau...

  • Savior on the Spilled Bloodtop_3
    󰺂7.8
    29.83
    Saint Petersburg
    trip best TravelHotspot logoSavior on the Spilled Blood, the site of Alexander II's assassination
    Highlights:
    󱓊Russian souvenirs by church market
    󱓊Colorful domes & 75,000 sq ft
    󱨠Saved by 156 users󱨠199 positive reviews
    4.8/5
    ExploreitExploreit

    The Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood in Saint Petersburg is one of the most beautiful churches I have ever seen in my life, a true architectural gem and a must-visit landmark. Its vibrant, colorful onion domes make it one of the most photogenic spots in the city. and intricate mosaics is absolutely mind blowing 🤯 During the day, sunlight illuminates the dazzling exterior and detailed mosaics, bringing out every color and pattern. Inside, the church is even more breathtaking — walls and ceilings covered with intricate mosaics depicting biblical scenes create a serene and awe-inspiring atmosphere.Visiting this church feels like stepping into a piece of living history, showcasing Russia’s rich artistic and religious heritage. Whether you admire it from the outside or explore the interior, the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood is a highlight of any Saint Petersburg itinerary.

  • Catherine Palace
    4
    󰺂7.5
    131.66
    Pushkin
    Highlights:
    Baroque garden & World Heritage
    󰀆Baroque exterior & lavish interior
    󱨠Saved by 119 users󱨠192 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    SHARMIN KSHARMIN K

    This is the most beautiful palace I've ever been to. The Czar family and Catherine the Great used to spend summers there. The most beautiful part of the palace is the Amber room, where the whole room is made out of Amber Stone.You can even buy Amber- made souvenirs like bracelets and key chains on the ground floor at the souvenir shops in the palace. Catherine Palace was destroyed in WW2 when it was bombed by the Germans. Today, it has been restored to its former glory. The Amber Room itself took over 24 years to restore! You will be given special socks to wear inside the palace so as not to damage the wooden floor of the palace.You can also request audio headphones in English in case you need translation as the guide only speaks Russian.

  • Lake Baikal
    5
    󰺂7.4
    Olkhonsky District
    trip best small logoFeatured in 2026 Global 50 - Fall Viewing Attractions
    Highlights:
    Taste Baikal's unique Omul fish
    󰋄Shaman rituals & blue ice bubbles
    󱨠Saved by 170 users󱨠152 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    Tablet666Tablet666

    Lake Baikal, one of the world's largest freshwater lakes, is located in southern Siberia, Russia. Its crystal-clear waters resemble a sapphire nestled among the mountains. Lake Baikal is not only a treasure trove of biodiversity but also a popular destination for scientific research and tourism, attracting visitors and scientists from around the world.

  • Great Moscow State Circus
    6
    󰺂7.3
    152.74
    Moscow
    trip best small logoFeatured in 2026 Europe 50 - Family-friendly Attractions
    Highlights:
    󱓊Open-air amphitheater seats 2000
    󰀆140-year Russian circus symbol
    󱨠Saved by 189 users󱨠80% positive reviews
    4.4/5
    LisliskaLisliska

    Very huge and exciting place. Located on Vernadskogo avenue close to the center of Moscow. There are many entertainments, animals, cafes.

  • Catherine Park
    7
    󰺂7.1
    Pushkin
    Highlights:
    󱓊Ride a vintage carriage through gardens
    Palace surrounded by heritage gardens
    󱨠37% positive reviews
    4.7/5
    Matryoshka行走Matryoshka行走

    [Attractions] The Catherine Palace, Catherine Gardens, Alexander Gardens, the Amber Room, and the Golden Room are all worth seeing. [Visit Experience] Not crowded on non-holidays. [Scenery] Beautiful, with a royal atmosphere. [Value for Money] At 1,700 rubles, it's not expensive and offers good value. [Transportation] We recommend taking bus numbers 186 or 299, as there's less walking.

  • Red Square
    8
    󰺂7.0
    Moscow
    trip best small logoNo. 4 of Night Attractions in Russia
    Highlights:
    󰋄GUM's Neo-Renaissance architecture
    󰀆Unique architecture & Red Square lights
    󱨠Saved by 238 users󱨠525 positive reviews
    4.8/5
    ExploreitExploreit

    The Red Square in Moscow is absolutely breathtaking and lively ! During the day, you can truly appreciate its grand architecture, from the colorful domes of St. Basil’s Cathedral to the elegant walls of the Kremlin. The square is filled with energy, tourists, and local life.But at night, it transforms completely — the lights bring a magical glow to every building, and the atmosphere becomes calm yet mesmerizing. Walking there after sunset feels like stepping into a fairytale, with the reflections on the cobblestone and the illuminated towers creating unforgettable views.If you visit Moscow, don’t miss seeing Red Square both day and night — it’s two different worlds in one iconic place!

  • Peterhof Palace
    9
    󰺂7.0
    Peterhof
    trip best small logoFeatured in 2026 Europe 50 - Family-friendly Attractions
    Highlights:
    󱨜Panoramic Baltic Sea view
    󰋄Fountain season's stunning views
    󱨠Saved by 135 users󱨠302 positive reviews
    4.6/5
    je ne sais quoije ne sais quoi

    Peterhof is without a doubt, one of the most stunning palaces in Russia and the world at large. It was built by Peter the Great as a summer residence and became known as the "Russian Versailles" due to the stunning Baroque architecture. The fountains and gardens all reflect this grand opulent 18th-century Baroque style. Yet this Baroque style is distinctly Russian, as you can see from the subtleties of the architecture, especially of the church on the palace complex.The best way to get to Peterhof from Saint Petersburg is via hydrofoil, which will depart from the area near Admiralteyskaya near the Winter Palace. The hydrofoil is an excellent option because it is not only a relaxing way to get there, the views are amazing too as you can see all the great classical style buildings on the Neva, but you can also see the Lakhta Tower in the northern outskirts. That tower is actually not just the tallest in Saint Petersburg, it is the tallest in Russia and the tallest in Europe. But be prepared that the winds of the Baltic are really strong, so even if visiting in summer, layer up!When you see the palace, it is adorned b the Grand Cascade and Samson Fountain, which are simply spectacular to marvel at. At the complex itself, the gardens are the most worth exploring. You can simply get lost in it and forget that time even existed. There are many other smaller buildings in the compound, such as Monplaisir.#russia #saintpetersburg #peterhof

  • State Historical Museum
    10
    󰺂6.9
    113.14
    Moscow
    Highlights:
    Virtual reality recreates historical scenes
    󰀆Red Square: history & artifacts
    󱨠Saved by 176 users󱨠167 positive reviews
    4.6/5
    M34***24M34***24

    This Musuem is so worth your time. They have magnificent collection of art, pieces of great historical value and beautiful things reminiscent to the glorious time of the Stars. Exquisite collection of sacred art and crown jewels and beautiful trinkets.

Best things to do in Russia (2025)

Looking for the ultimate experiences in Russia? From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, Russia offers an exceptional collection of activities and attractions that cater to every type of traveler.

Whether you’re here for sightseeing, adventure, or cultural exploration, these top-rated activities promise unforgettable memories.

Top-rated things to do in Russia

If you want to make the most of your trip, these activities deliver the full Russia experience. Expect popular attractions, unique local experiences, and must-see spots that capture the essence of the city.

Winter Palace

• Saint Petersburg | undefined

• : Boat tour during White Nights,Concerts at Winter Palace Theatre

The Moscow Kremlin

• Moscow | undefined

• : Red Square views & Lenin's Tomb,Red walls & cityscape within

Savior on the Spilled Blood

• Saint Petersburg | undefined

• : Russian souvenirs by church market,Colorful domes & 75,000 sq ft

Things to do for unique experiences

These activities provide memorable experiences beyond the ordinary. Enjoy cultural tours, adventure sports, guided excursions, and immersive local experiences designed for all interests.

Things to do near Russia

If you want to explore attractions just outside Russia, there are plenty of activities that combine scenic surroundings with convenient access to the city, perfect for day trips or short excursions.

Each of these activities offers a unique escape within 1–3 hours of Russia, ideal for travelers who want to combine sightseeing with local experiences.

What makes things to do in Russia special

• Iconic landmarks: Visit must-see sights that define the city.
• Local experiences: Engage in culture, crafts, and unique activities.
• Accessible adventures: Easily reachable attractions for all travelers.
• Diverse options: From relaxing experiences to adventurous outings.

Tips for booking things to do in Russia

1. Plan ahead for popular attractions to avoid long queues.
2. Book early for guided tours or seasonal events.
3. Compare prices and packages on Trip.com for exclusive deals and bundled experiences.
4. Consider weekday visits for a quieter and more personalized experience.

Experience the best things to do in Russia

Ready to explore the best of Russia? Discover Trip.Best's curated list of things to do and experience adventure, culture, and unforgettable memories.

Book your perfect activities on Trip.com today, where excitement and discovery awaits.

What Best Things to Do are there in Russia?
These are all Best Things to Do in Russia:Winter Palace, The Moscow Kremlin, Savior on the Spilled Blood, Catherine Palace, Lake Baikal
What are some highly-rated Best Things to Do in Russia?
Some highly-rated Best Things to Do in Russia include:Winter Palace:4.8, The Moscow Kremlin:4.8, Savior on the Spilled Blood:4.8, Catherine Palace:4.7, Lake Baikal:4.7
At what locations in Russia can Best Things to Do in Russia be found?
The Best Things to Do in Russia are mainly located in:Winter Palace:Saint Petersburg, The Moscow Kremlin:Moscow, Savior on the Spilled Blood:Saint Petersburg, Catherine Palace:Pushkin, Lake Baikal:Olkhonsky District
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