Russian Federation (Russia)-5-day-itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Moscow

Morning

  • Arrive at Sheremetyevo Airport (SVO)
  • Take a taxi or bus to your hotel
  • Check-in to your hotel and freshen up

Afternoon

  • Visit the Kremlin (), the official residence of the President of Russia
    • Explore the Armoury Chamber, which houses the Russian Crown Jewels
    • See the Changing of the Guard ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
  • Walk through Red Square (), one of the most iconic squares in the world
    • Admire St. Basil’s Cathedral (), a colorful and ornate Orthodox church

Evening

  • Enjoy traditional Russian cuisine for dinner, such as borscht, beef stroganoff, or blini with caviar
  • Take a stroll along the Moscow River and enjoy the city lights

Things to Know

  • Russia uses Cyrillic script, so it’s a good idea to learn some basic phrases in Russian, like “Здравствуйте” (hello) and “Спасибо” (thank you)
  • Be prepared for crowds and long lines at popular tourist attractions
  • Try to avoid traveling during peak hours (7-9 am and 4-7 pm) to avoid traffic congestion

Day 2: Moscow

Morning

  • Visit the Tretyakov Gallery (), which houses an extensive collection of Russian art
  • Explore the Novodevichy Convent (), a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most beautiful convents in Russia

Afternoon

  • Take a metro tour to see some of Moscow’s ornate subway stations, like Mayakovskaya or Komsomolskaya
  • Visit the Museum of Cosmonautics (), which showcases Russia’s space exploration history

Evening

  • Enjoy a performance at the Bolshoi Theatre (), one of the most famous ballet and opera companies in the world
  • Try some traditional Russian street food, like pirozhki or blini with sweet toppings

Day 3: Moscow to St. Petersburg

Morning

  • Take a high-speed train (Sapsan) from Moscow to St. Petersburg ()
  • Check-in to your hotel and freshen up

Afternoon

  • Visit the Hermitage Museum (), one of the largest and oldest museums in the world
    • Explore the Winter Palace, the former residence of Russian tsars
    • See some of the museum’s most famous exhibits, like Rembrandt’s “The Return of the Prodigal Son”

Evening

  • Take a romantic stroll along the Neva River and enjoy the city lights
  • Try some traditional St. Petersburg cuisine, like beef stroganoff or pelmeni

Day 4: St. Petersburg

Morning

  • Visit the Peterhof Palace (), a stunning royal residence with beautiful gardens and fountains
  • Take a hydrofoil boat tour to see the palace from the water

Afternoon

  • Explore the Church of the Savior on Blood (), a colorful and ornate Orthodox church
  • Walk through the Nevsky Prospekt (), one of the main shopping streets in St. Petersburg

Evening

  • Enjoy a traditional Russian folk show, complete with music, dance, and costumes
  • Try some local craft beer or vodka at a trendy bar

Day 5: Departure from St. Petersburg

Morning

  • Spend the morning shopping for souvenirs or exploring a local market
  • Take a taxi or bus to Pulkovo Airport (LED)

Afternoon

  • Depart from Pulkovo Airport and head back home

Visa Requirements

  • Citizens of most countries need a visa to enter Russia
  • Apply for an electronic visa or a traditional paper visa through the Russian Embassy or Consulate in your country
  • Make sure you have all necessary documents, like a valid passport, health insurance, and proof of hotel booking

Transportation

  • Moscow and St. Petersburg have comprehensive metro systems, with English signs and announcements
  • Taxis are widely available, but make sure to use reputable companies or ride-hailing apps
  • High-speed trains connect Moscow and St. Petersburg, making it easy to travel between the two cities

Other Things to Know

  • Russia uses the Cyrillic alphabet, so it’s a good idea to learn some basic phrases in Russian
  • Be prepared for variable weather, with cold winters and mild summers
  • Try to avoid traveling during peak holiday seasons, like New Year’s or Orthodox Easter

I hope you enjoy your trip to Russia!