Russia
Bask in the vibrant culture, varied landscape, and sparkling beauty of Russia's fascinating and majestic architecture.
A transcontinental nation and the world’s largest country, Russia is a cultural melting pot and home to several varied environments.
There is great diversity in Russia’s environment and landscape, from semiarid grassland and dense forests to Artic deserts and mountain ranges. Russia has one of the longest rivers in Europe and the world’s largest freshwater lake.
Whether you’re looking for a captivating historical tour or a thrilling outdoor adventure, Russia has plenty to offer. You can have a peaceful night enjoying theatre performances or an active day skiing, rafting, or horse riding.
Moscow, the capital city, and St. Petersburg are the cultural and financial centres of Russia and are amongst the most stunning cities in the world.
The Russians are pioneers in science and technology and space exploration. The nation has 30 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, 19 of which preserve Russian culture.
Several world-famous writers, including Tolstoy, are Russian, as are some of the world’s best chess players.
Despite being a country that experiences severely cold winters, Russia has pleasant summers ideal for exploring the country.
Multiple ethnic groups call Russia home, and most of the population is Orthodox.
Russia spans northern Asia and the eastern part of Europe.
The country shares a border to the south with Mongolia, China, North Korea, Georgia, Kazakhstan, and Azerbaijan. Finland, Norway, Estonia, Ukraine, Belarus, and Latvia bound the country to the west and southwest.
Russia has a border along the Arctic and Pacific oceans to the north and east, respectively, and over thirteen marginal seas. Its coastline is about 37,653 km (23,396 mi) long.
The detached Russian region of Kaliningrad is Russia’s westernmost point on the Baltic Sea, which Poland and Lithuania border. Big Diomede Island is the country’s easternmost port in the Bering Strait.
Because of its wide expanse spanning two continents, Russia possesses various geographical features.
Arctic deserts dominate the extreme northern regions, which extend southward to the tundra, a treeless, snowy region with a cold and windy climate.
Forestry covers about half of Russia’s landscape, giving it much of its charm. The forested grassland and savannah lie south of the forest zone, giving way to small parts of semidesert on the northern coastline of the Caspian Sea.
There are nine major mountain ranges along the southern regions of the country. These share a significant portion of the Caucasus Mountains, which lie at the intersection of Asia and Europe. The highest peak in Russia is Mount Elbrus, which is also the highest peak in Europe.
The Yenisey River roughly divides the country in half, resulting in two geographical zones. To the west, the land comprises lowland plains with low hills and plateaus. To the east, most of the landscape is mountainous, although there are some areas with lowlands.
Most of the population lives in the European portion of Russia, especially in the capital city, Moscow.
Russia has one of the world’s largest surface water resources. There are dozens of prominent lakes and rivers, such as Lake Baikal, which is the world’s biggest and deepest freshwater lake and the oldest and purest.
Europe’s longest river, the Volga, runs through the western regions of the country. And the continent’s largest lake, Ladoga, is also in Russia.
Russia has several climatic zones.
A humid continental climate is present in all parts of Russia, except for the tundra and the extreme southwest. It results from many areas’ distance from the sea and the size and geography of the country.
A subtropic climate dominates most of Northwest Russia and Siberia. Winters are extremely brutal in the inner regions of Northeast Siberia, mostly in Sakha. However, winters are moderate elsewhere.
Along the Arctic Ocean, a polar climate prevails, as in the Russian Arctic islands.
Sochi, the largest resort city in Russia, and some coastal and interior strips of the North Caucasus have a humid subtropical climate. Winters in these regions are moderate and rainy.
An oceanic climate is present in the westernmost parts of the Kaliningrad region, in the south of Krasnodar and the North Caucasus.
Some of the southernmost slivers of Siberia and the region along the Lower Volga and the Caspian Sea coast are dominated by a semi-arid climate.
The two prevalent seasons in Russia are summer and winter. Autumn and spring are transitional seasons.
January is the coldest month in Russia, while along the coast it’s in February. July is the warmest month.
Temperatures range significantly from north to south and from east to west. During winter, the average temperature in the cities ranges from -10 to -20 °C (14 to -4 °F). However, it can be lower.
Despite the brutal cold of the season, it’s a magical and magnificent time in the country; palaces, churches and museums are sprinkled with snow and icy forests dazzle.
Summers can be quite hot, but it’s the best time to explore Russia. Temperatures range from 20 to 30 °C (70 to 80 °F). You can bask in the White Nights in northern Russia, go camping or stroll through the cities.
Russian cuisine has great variety because of the country’s diverse climate and cultural and religious traditions. Meals usually comprise carbs and protein such as meat, fish, grains, potatoes, cabbage, and carrots.
Some traditional Russian dishes are Slavic and most comprise affordable ingredients. Pickles, soup, pies, porridge, and pancakes are the most traditional food in the country.
Other traditional meals include Olivier (a nutritious salad comprising potatoes, pickles, peas, eggs, mayonnaise, and other vegetables), borsch (a beetroot soup containing meat), and pelmeni (Russian dumplings).
Medovik, a layered honey cake, is a traditional Russian dessert you must try.
You can also find cuisines from other countries at local restaurants.
Figuring out what to pack for a trip to Russia is simple. Since there are only two seasons to account for, you’ll know what to bring along.
Winters in Russia are freezing. You will need clothes to layer that offer maximum comfort and warmth. This includes sweatshirts, hoodies, long thick coats, warm trousers or tights, and thermal underwear.
You will also need warm socks and waterproof boots with a thick, grippy sole because sidewalks transform into ice rinks during winter.
Indoor areas are heated from September/October, so you will also need indoor garments and lighter layers.
Summers are pleasant, but the weather is also unpredictable. Bring light breathable garments, a lightweight jacket or jumper for cool evenings, and an umbrella.
Modest clothes are best, especially when visiting Russia’s churches. If you plan to visit the theatre, an upscale restaurant, or a nightclub, you’ll have to dress up. Subtle elegance is recommended over extravagant garments.
Russia’s currency is the Russian ruble or rouble (RUB). The ruble is split into 100 kopeks.
The ruble banknotes are available in denominations of 50, 100, 200, 500, 1,000, 2,000 and 5,000. Coins come in 1, 5, 10 and 50 kopeks and 1, 2, 5, and 10 rubles.
It’s best to not exchange your money for the Russian ruble before traveling to the country. Taking US dollars or euros is best since not all banks exchange pound sterling.
ATMs are common in Russian cities, and you can use most of them in English. You can withdraw the local currency from an ATM instead of exchanging your money.
You can use your debit or credit card in Russia, except in rural areas. If you’re traveling beyond the cities, you will need to carry some cash.
Make sure your bank is aware of your travel plans, so your card isn’t blocked when you make purchases in the country.
The only time you can’t use your credit or debit card is when making purchases from street vendors, small businesses, cafes, and guest houses.
Russian is the official and widely spoken language in Russia.
There are over 100 minority languages spoken by Russia’s diverse population, including Tatar and Ukrainian.
While hotel staff usually speak English, it’s best to know some Russian terms and phrases to have an easier time navigating the cities. Here are a few common Russian words and sayings you should know for your trip:
- Hi (informal)/Hello (formal) – Привет (Privet)/Здравствуйте (Zdravstvuyte)
- Bye (informal)/Goodbye (formal) – Пока (Poka)/До свидания (Do svidaniya)
- You’re welcome/please – Пожалуйста (Pozhaluysta)
- Thank you – Спасибо (Spasibo)
Yes/No – Да (Da)/ Нет (Net)
Russian culture is one of the most vibrant and unique in the world. As the culture developed, Slavic and foreign traditions had a profound influence.
The country’s geographical location, its vast expanse, religious traditions, and the West have also played a role in Russian culture.
Russians have made important contributions to the development of classical music, cinema, ballet, and architecture around the world.
The heritage of Russian sculptors, architects, and painters is kept alive in the country’s largest and most popular cities, namely Moscow, Saint Petersburg, and Kazan.
Russia is home to several renowned writers, notably Fyodor Dostoevsky and Leo Tolstoy.
The most popular sport in Russia is football. Ice Hockey and figure skating are also beloved by the Russians. Chess is a favored and popular pastime in the country; Russia is the home of some of the world’s best chess players.
Russia is a secular country, with Christianity being the largest religion. A vast majority of the population adheres to the Russian Orthodox Church. The nation’s second-largest religion is Islam.
You will need to apply for a visa before departing for Russia.
The Russian Government requires all foreign nationals, including British citizens, to submit biometric data (scanned fingerprints). This applies to those aged 12 and over.
You will need to apply for a visa at an application centre in London, Manchester, or Edinburgh, where you’ll be required to submit your biometric data.
It takes up to 20 business days for your visa to be processed. However, you can expedite it in special cases and get it within 3 business days.
To apply for a single, double, or multi-entry visa up to six months, you can use a booking with a registered Russian hotel or a confirmation from the registered Russian tourist agency.
If you have immediate family members who are Russian citizens, you can apply for multi-entry private visas to Russia for up to one year.
In this case, you’ll need a notarized hard copy of a letter of invitation from the Russian family member. It takes ten working days to process this type of visa.
Ensure you check the details of your visa upon receiving it. Make sure your passport number and the validity dates are correct.
If you overstay your visa, you may be fined, sent to a court hearing, deported, or banned from re-entering Russia.
British nationals entering Russia by cruise or ferry can stay in the country without a visa for 72 hours. This only applies if you’ve booked a tour through an officially licensed company.
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the date on which your visa expires. Make sure you sign your passport before travelling to Russia.
The plugs and sockets in Russia are Type C (flat with two round pins) and Type F (circular with two round pins and two earth clips).
Sockets supply a standard voltage of 220 V and a standard frequency of 50 Hz.
Certain devices and appliances have a lower voltage so you will need a converter. Also, bring along a universal adapter with surge protection.
A transcontinental nation and the world’s largest country, Russia is a cultural melting pot and home to several varied environments.
There is great diversity in Russia’s environment and landscape, from semiarid grassland and dense forests to Artic deserts and mountain ranges. Russia has one of the longest rivers in Europe and the world’s largest freshwater lake.
Whether you’re looking for a captivating historical tour or a thrilling outdoor adventure, Russia has plenty to offer. You can have a peaceful night enjoying theatre performances or an active day skiing, rafting, or horse riding.
Moscow, the capital city, and St. Petersburg are the cultural and financial centres of Russia and are amongst the most stunning cities in the world.
The Russians are pioneers in science and technology and space exploration. The nation has 30 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, 19 of which preserve Russian culture.
Several world-famous writers, including Tolstoy, are Russian, as are some of the world’s best chess players.
Despite being a country that experiences severely cold winters, Russia has pleasant summers ideal for exploring the country.
Multiple ethnic groups call Russia home, and most of the population is Orthodox.
Russia spans northern Asia and the eastern part of Europe.
The country shares a border to the south with Mongolia, China, North Korea, Georgia, Kazakhstan, and Azerbaijan. Finland, Norway, Estonia, Ukraine, Belarus, and Latvia bound the country to the west and southwest.
Russia has a border along the Arctic and Pacific oceans to the north and east, respectively, and over thirteen marginal seas. Its coastline is about 37,653 km (23,396 mi) long.
The detached Russian region of Kaliningrad is Russia’s westernmost point on the Baltic Sea, which Poland and Lithuania border. Big Diomede Island is the country’s easternmost port in the Bering Strait.
Because of its wide expanse spanning two continents, Russia possesses various geographical features.
Arctic deserts dominate the extreme northern regions, which extend southward to the tundra, a treeless, snowy region with a cold and windy climate.
Forestry covers about half of Russia’s landscape, giving it much of its charm. The forested grassland and savannah lie south of the forest zone, giving way to small parts of semidesert on the northern coastline of the Caspian Sea.
There are nine major mountain ranges along the southern regions of the country. These share a significant portion of the Caucasus Mountains, which lie at the intersection of Asia and Europe. The highest peak in Russia is Mount Elbrus, which is also the highest peak in Europe.
The Yenisey River roughly divides the country in half, resulting in two geographical zones. To the west, the land comprises lowland plains with low hills and plateaus. To the east, most of the landscape is mountainous, although there are some areas with lowlands.
Most of the population lives in the European portion of Russia, especially in the capital city, Moscow.
Russia has one of the world’s largest surface water resources. There are dozens of prominent lakes and rivers, such as Lake Baikal, which is the world’s biggest and deepest freshwater lake and the oldest and purest.
Europe’s longest river, the Volga, runs through the western regions of the country. And the continent’s largest lake, Ladoga, is also in Russia.
Russia has several climatic zones.
A humid continental climate is present in all parts of Russia, except for the tundra and the extreme southwest. It results from many areas’ distance from the sea and the size and geography of the country.
A subtropic climate dominates most of Northwest Russia and Siberia. Winters are extremely brutal in the inner regions of Northeast Siberia, mostly in Sakha. However, winters are moderate elsewhere.
Along the Arctic Ocean, a polar climate prevails, as in the Russian Arctic islands.
Sochi, the largest resort city in Russia, and some coastal and interior strips of the North Caucasus have a humid subtropical climate. Winters in these regions are moderate and rainy.
An oceanic climate is present in the westernmost parts of the Kaliningrad region, in the south of Krasnodar and the North Caucasus.
Some of the southernmost slivers of Siberia and the region along the Lower Volga and the Caspian Sea coast are dominated by a semi-arid climate.
The two prevalent seasons in Russia are summer and winter. Autumn and spring are transitional seasons.
January is the coldest month in Russia, while along the coast it’s in February. July is the warmest month.
Temperatures range significantly from north to south and from east to west. During winter, the average temperature in the cities ranges from -10 to -20 °C (14 to -4 °F). However, it can be lower.
Despite the brutal cold of the season, it’s a magical and magnificent time in the country; palaces, churches and museums are sprinkled with snow and icy forests dazzle.
Summers can be quite hot, but it’s the best time to explore Russia. Temperatures range from 20 to 30 °C (70 to 80 °F). You can bask in the White Nights in northern Russia, go camping or stroll through the cities.
Russian cuisine has great variety because of the country’s diverse climate and cultural and religious traditions. Meals usually comprise carbs and protein such as meat, fish, grains, potatoes, cabbage, and carrots.
Some traditional Russian dishes are Slavic and most comprise affordable ingredients. Pickles, soup, pies, porridge, and pancakes are the most traditional food in the country.
Other traditional meals include Olivier (a nutritious salad comprising potatoes, pickles, peas, eggs, mayonnaise, and other vegetables), borsch (a beetroot soup containing meat), and pelmeni (Russian dumplings).
Medovik, a layered honey cake, is a traditional Russian dessert you must try.
You can also find cuisines from other countries at local restaurants.
Figuring out what to pack for a trip to Russia is simple. Since there are only two seasons to account for, you’ll know what to bring along.
Winters in Russia are freezing. You will need clothes to layer that offer maximum comfort and warmth. This includes sweatshirts, hoodies, long thick coats, warm trousers or tights, and thermal underwear.
You will also need warm socks and waterproof boots with a thick, grippy sole because sidewalks transform into ice rinks during winter.
Indoor areas are heated from September/October, so you will also need indoor garments and lighter layers.
Summers are pleasant, but the weather is also unpredictable. Bring light breathable garments, a lightweight jacket or jumper for cool evenings, and an umbrella.
Modest clothes are best, especially when visiting Russia’s churches. If you plan to visit the theatre, an upscale restaurant, or a nightclub, you’ll have to dress up. Subtle elegance is recommended over extravagant garments.
Russia’s currency is the Russian ruble or rouble (RUB). The ruble is split into 100 kopeks.
The ruble banknotes are available in denominations of 50, 100, 200, 500, 1,000, 2,000 and 5,000. Coins come in 1, 5, 10 and 50 kopeks and 1, 2, 5, and 10 rubles.
It’s best to not exchange your money for the Russian ruble before traveling to the country. Taking US dollars or euros is best since not all banks exchange pound sterling.
ATMs are common in Russian cities, and you can use most of them in English. You can withdraw the local currency from an ATM instead of exchanging your money.
You can use your debit or credit card in Russia, except in rural areas. If you’re traveling beyond the cities, you will need to carry some cash.
Make sure your bank is aware of your travel plans, so your card isn’t blocked when you make purchases in the country.
The only time you can’t use your credit or debit card is when making purchases from street vendors, small businesses, cafes, and guest houses.
Russian is the official and widely spoken language in Russia.
There are over 100 minority languages spoken by Russia’s diverse population, including Tatar and Ukrainian.
While hotel staff usually speak English, it’s best to know some Russian terms and phrases to have an easier time navigating the cities. Here are a few common Russian words and sayings you should know for your trip:
- Hi (informal)/Hello (formal) – Привет (Privet)/Здравствуйте (Zdravstvuyte)
- Bye (informal)/Goodbye (formal) – Пока (Poka)/До свидания (Do svidaniya)
- You’re welcome/please – Пожалуйста (Pozhaluysta)
- Thank you – Спасибо (Spasibo)
Yes/No – Да (Da)/ Нет (Net)
Russian culture is one of the most vibrant and unique in the world. As the culture developed, Slavic and foreign traditions had a profound influence.
The country’s geographical location, its vast expanse, religious traditions, and the West have also played a role in Russian culture.
Russians have made important contributions to the development of classical music, cinema, ballet, and architecture around the world.
The heritage of Russian sculptors, architects, and painters is kept alive in the country’s largest and most popular cities, namely Moscow, Saint Petersburg, and Kazan.
Russia is home to several renowned writers, notably Fyodor Dostoevsky and Leo Tolstoy.
The most popular sport in Russia is football. Ice Hockey and figure skating are also beloved by the Russians. Chess is a favored and popular pastime in the country; Russia is the home of some of the world’s best chess players.
Russia is a secular country, with Christianity being the largest religion. A vast majority of the population adheres to the Russian Orthodox Church. The nation’s second-largest religion is Islam.
You will need to apply for a visa before departing for Russia.
The Russian Government requires all foreign nationals, including British citizens, to submit biometric data (scanned fingerprints). This applies to those aged 12 and over.
You will need to apply for a visa at an application centre in London, Manchester, or Edinburgh, where you’ll be required to submit your biometric data.
It takes up to 20 business days for your visa to be processed. However, you can expedite it in special cases and get it within 3 business days.
To apply for a single, double, or multi-entry visa up to six months, you can use a booking with a registered Russian hotel or a confirmation from the registered Russian tourist agency.
If you have immediate family members who are Russian citizens, you can apply for multi-entry private visas to Russia for up to one year.
In this case, you’ll need a notarized hard copy of a letter of invitation from the Russian family member. It takes ten working days to process this type of visa.
Ensure you check the details of your visa upon receiving it. Make sure your passport number and the validity dates are correct.
If you overstay your visa, you may be fined, sent to a court hearing, deported, or banned from re-entering Russia.
British nationals entering Russia by cruise or ferry can stay in the country without a visa for 72 hours. This only applies if you’ve booked a tour through an officially licensed company.
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the date on which your visa expires. Make sure you sign your passport before travelling to Russia.
The plugs and sockets in Russia are Type C (flat with two round pins) and Type F (circular with two round pins and two earth clips).
Sockets supply a standard voltage of 220 V and a standard frequency of 50 Hz.
Certain devices and appliances have a lower voltage so you will need a converter. Also, bring along a universal adapter with surge protection.
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