Russia Travel Guide
It should come as no surprise that the largest country in the world is a hot destination for travel. But I don’t hear people talk about Russia enough. Moscow is one of the biggest and most beautiful cities in Europe. The Red Square is home to architectural wonders such as the Kremlin and St. Basil’s Cathedral. The metro system itself is an artistic masterpiece. Oh, and there are plenty of exciting bars, clubs, and restaurants.
St. Petersburg is the cultural capital of Russia. It is often called the Venice of the North because of the many stunning canals and bridges. You’ll also find my favorite bar in the world there, a Mexican-themed speakeasy.
Having lived, worked, and studied in Russia, I consider it a home away from home. My friends all live in Russia, and they showed me the best places to visit. Now I can pass on the secrets to you.
Basic Information
Language: The official language of Russia is Russian.
Currency: The official currency of Russia is the ruble (RUB). 1 USD is equal to about 65 RUB.
Plugs: Russia uses type C and F plugs. The standard voltage is 230 V, and the standard frequency is 50 Hz. I recommend using a universal adapter and a converter for hairdryers and other hot products.
Safety: The big cities are mostly safe. Use common sense and awareness to avoid any trouble. But, just in case, I recommend you keep your passport and some cash with you at all times. Police have been known to stop people on rare occasions. If there’s a “problem,” they might just want a bribe.
Destinations
The best time to visit
The Russian winter is no joke. Snow, ice, and bitter cold are very common during this season. So consider traveling when it’s warmer. Spring and fall are great times to visit Russia. April to May is when the weather turns warmer and the flowers bloom. Fall is during September to November. There are fewer tourists because of the cool temperatures, but the leaves turn such brilliant colors.
Summer is peak season for tourism. It won’t be as crowded as Paris or Rome. So you can put up with the tourists if you want. But crowds do get bigger, and it will be harder to get that selfie alone with St. Basil’s Cathedral.
