Big, unique and remote Russia is truly the mystery of foreign travelers.
To break the common stereotypical vision of always snowy frigid Russia with wild bears roaming the streets, here you get tips & advice about the two fantastic cities.
Let’s start with how to get a visa.
Option 1 for tourist visas:
Do you want to do it on your own? Here’s how to do it in short text.
Step 1: Contact your insurance company & request a Russia certificate (free of charge)
Step 2: Make sure you have a valid national passport, with at least two blank pages for visas. Also, make sure the passport’s validity period expires at least six months after the visa expiration date. You must also have an ID photo to be included in the documents. Color photo 3.5 x 4.5 cm with light background from the front without glasses or headdress.
Step 3: When booking a hotel, you need a voucher (invitation) from the hotel. I recommend calling the hotel directly & asking if the hotel can offer this. Alternatively, if you want to book through, let’s say Hotels.com or Booking.com, you can consult them and they will help you.
Step 4: Fill out the visa application, Print & sign it.
Step 5: Book a personal visit at your nearby Russian embassy . Submit your visa application to the chosen visa center, pre-selected with a scheduled time or send the documents via the post with the help of postal services.
It’s not that difficult if you want to do it on your own. If you need further assistance or are not understanding, please send an email to ” [email protected] “. The costs are:
- 1-3 working days: EUR 70 + EUR 50 (service charge) = EUR 120
- 4-10 working days: EUR 35 + EUR 32 (service charge) = EUR 62
Option 2:
(Probably works for Swedish people only)
I did another way that is very smooth. I contacted Bosse at Bas International. When it comes to hotels he will book this for you which facilitates a lot & the hotels he offers are absolutely fantastic. Central & good price. All you have to do if you choose this option is:
- Call your insurance company & ask for a “Russia Certificate”.
- Make sure you have a valid passport & ID – Photo.
- Fill in the electronic Visa application: https://visa.kdmid.ru/
This company will tell you step by step exactly what to do & how to do it. should you have problems on the trip they will help with that. Very professional and above all accurate. A visa here costs: EUR 95.
Here’s 10 things you don’t want to miss in St. Petersburg!
St. Petersburg like all major cities has a lot to offer its visitors, there are actually so many attractions in the city that it can be quite complicated to make a decision and choose the best and the most suitable for you to do.
1. Dive into the world of art.
Visit one of the city’s art museums. The “Hermitage” and the Russian State Museum are two of the most visited. The first is a masterpiece of the world’s best artists, the second is about Russian art from early Orthodox icons to the famous Malevich.
The Hermitage is one of the world’s largest museums and it is a must-visit place even if you only have 2-3 hours to run around it in principle. If you want to get more out of your short visit, I recommend you skip a guided tour that first lets you get into the museum quickly and secondly, you go straight to the main highlights.
2. Peterhof Palace
Peterhof, also known as “the Russian Versailles”, was the first imperial palace built outside St. Petersburg. The palace complex overlooks the Gulf of Finland and has several different parts, including the huge Alexandra Park.
The grand palace used to be the main summer residence of Russian tsars. The interiors are, as the name implies, grand in classical architecture and richly decorated.
But the main feature is the palace’s exterior, with many gilded domes and dozens of fountains, making Peterhof one of the most photogenic places in St. Petersburg.
3. The Church of the Spilt Blood.
Here, there is no doubt that this is the most “Russian” church in all of St. Petersburg. It reminds us of the famous St Basil Cathedral in Moscow. The many domes – some gilded, some colorful and others in spiral – make the church with the spilled blood the city’s most unique church
Located on the Griboyedov Canal, it is also known as the Church of the Resurrection. It was built exactly where the tsar Alexander II was killed in an attack. The church has one of the world’s largest collections of mosaics and is one of the city’s most beloved attractions.
4. The Palace Square.
Palace Square is one of the most monumental open spaces in St. Petersburg, and gets its name for its location, right in front of Winter Palace, home to the Hermitage. It is considered to be the city’s main square and it is the perfect space to see life go by and photograph some stunning grand neo-classical buildings.
In the summer, several concerts and cultural activities here attract thousands of so-called “Peterburgers” and tourists. In the middle of the square you will find Alexander Column, built to celebrate Russia’s victory over the troops in Napoleon.
5. Visit Peter & Paul Fort.
Peter and Paul Fort were built in 1703, the same year that marks the city’s foundation of Peter, The Great. The fort was built to protect “Russia’s windows to the west” from Swedish attackers. At that time, the original structure was only made of wood, but later it was built up to a robust brick and stone fortress and one of the city’s most iconic structures.
You can only take a few hours to visit the fort or even a full day. This is because there are a number of smaller museums, galleries as well as Peter and Paul’s cathedral. The golden needle of the church can be seen from several miles away and it is also possible to visit the upper part of the tower.
6. Nightlife.
The nightlife in St. Petersburg is absolutely fantastic and Petersburg was the first city in the country to start the first rock club and of course the first to accept the club culture.
Today, in Saint Petersburg, you can discover a selection of live shake shows, as well as jazz and creative clubs, where you can drink a pilsner and meet many individuals in one night. Most places seem to be economical and have a loose and accommodating aura. Another life of St. Petersburg’s nightlife is the simplicity and socialization openings that you can find in the middle of the night at discos and discos nearby.
7. St. Nicholas Naval Cathedral.
I stumbled upon this fine cathedral shortly after arriving in St. Petersburg. It was late November and I decided to take a walk around the neighborhood.
The church is known as a naval cathedral and has always had strong links to the Russian navy and there are many memorials to crews of sunken submarines inside.
8. Kazan Cathedral.
The Kazan Cathedral is opposite the church on spilled blood, it is a real giant. It’s huge. The Kazan Cathedral, which is based on St. Peter’s Church in Rome, is the “Mother Cathedral” of St. Petersburg. Inside you will find queues of believers waiting to pray at the altar and kiss the icons.
I do not often go into Orthodox churches (mostly they are deeply religious sites and I am not very religious myself) but the interior of Kazan Cathedral is jaw-dropping. The size of it is incredible. You should definitely not miss this one.
9. St Isaac’s Cathedral.
It took forty years to build St. Isaac’s Cathedral, which was completed in 1858 and was once one of Russia’s foremost cathedrals, but is now a museum. The facade is decorated with 112 solid granite columns, while the interior is fantastically decorated with sculptures, paintings, mosaics and stained glass panels.
It is possible to climb the 262 steps to the colonnade surrounding the cathedral dome to get a panoramic view of the city.
10. Russian Food.
You have to go out and eat in Russia of course & why not try Russian cuisine? It is the most widespread country in the world for food. Fish is a top seller in many parts of Russia, and soups (both hot and cold) are very much enjoyed. Then of course you have the right “Borstjt”. You have to try!
Here are some you need to try out;
- Blini.
- Borscht.
- Pelmeni.
- Pirozhki.
- Beef Stroganoff.
- Solyanka.
- Olivier Salad.
- Medovik.
Here’s 10 thing you don’t want to miss in Moscow!
Moscow is a must for anyone who loves big cities, Moscow is much more than just the capital of Russia. One of the largest cities, Moscow is as influential in Eastern Europe as New York is in the entire West. Moscow has some of the most iconic buildings on the planet.
It is a gigantic city that was really built to impress. Everything here is huge. Moscow has some truly majestic buildings from the 20th century.
1. KREML
The Moscow Kremlin is a fortified complex in the center of the city consisting of more than 15 buildings, 20 towers and more than 1.5 mile walls that are up to 21 feet thick. It is President Vladimir Putin’s official residence, although he does not actually live there.
In fact, there are many so-called “Kremlins” throughout Russia, but Moscow is by far the most famous.
Moscow Kremlin, the red “fortress in a city”, which has been the seat of Russian politics for centuries. It has housed Tsars, Soviet comrades and currently President Vladimir Putin.
2. RED SQUARE
A few steps away is Red Square, another major tourist attraction in Moscow. When the Red Square was home to the most important urban market, it is best known as a Soviet landmark. During the 80 years of communism, it was the government site and parades. The square is buzzing with history and, to this day, Vladimir Lenin’s resting place remains.
The Red Square remains, as it has been for centuries, the heart and soul of Russia. Few places in the world carry the weight of history to the extent that Moscow’s central square does.
3. ST. BASIL’S CATHEDRAL
The Red Square is lined by the most iconic landmarks of Moscow as the historic museum – also a red beauty and the most recognizable building in the city.
St. Basil’s Cathedral. A unique Byzantine-style church, it has existed since the 16th century. Confiscated from the Russian Orthodox Church during the early Soviet years, it remains a state property. It is perhaps the most iconic building in all of Russia, a symbol of the city and its grandeur.
4. MOSCOW CITY – ANOTHER SIDE OF THE CITY
As with all metropolises, Moscow is more than a city: it has many faces, of course. One of the newest is Moscow City, a kind of mini-Dubai because of its skyscrapers and modern look. First of all, this is where you should see Moscow if you really want to see the whole thing. Take the opportunity & visit the rooftop bars Ruski and Sixty.
5. METRO – JUMP ON THE WORLD’S MOST BREATHTAKING METRO
You must see the unrivaled grandeur of the Moscow metro. The Moscow Metro (also called the People’s Palace) was built in the mid-1930s in Stalin. It is one of the largest in the world. The metro stations are worth seeing. Station art includes bas-reliefs, friezes, marble and bronze statues, stained glass and Byzantine mosaics.
Each station has a distinct look and feel, but since there are over 200 you should prioritize. The most impressive (according to myself) are Komsomolskaya, Mayakovskaya, Kropotkinskaya and those around / below the Red Square.
6. SEE MOSCOW BEYOND THE CROWDS
Great as it is, Moscow’s landmarks will surely impress you – but there is so much more to the city. As it usually is, the city beyond the crowd is even better, as you get to explore life as a real local. Feel the pulse of the city!
7. MOSCOW VODKA MUSEUM
Here you can learn about the origins of vodka and follow its history by exploring the collection at this little museum. Beverage traditions are illustrated with samples of bottles and other vodka containers of various kinds, historical documents, photographs and artistic installations.
In fact, the country’s most famous alcoholic drink was first invented in Poland. However, it cannot be denied that the Russians took the formula and improved it too perfection. If you are more interested in how it happened, just visit Moscow’s Vodka Museum.
8. NIGHTLIFE
Russians .. They really have a different grasp on reality and life than most other people in the world. But one thing they have in common, and maybe more of, is the partying.
For a city with just over 10 million people, there are more nightclubs than can be mentioned in any kind of list.
As a city that never sleeps, Moscow is known for its vibrant nightlife as much as for its stunning architecture. With a variety of choices, you may need someone to lead you through the club scene in Russia’s capital.
9. VISIT MOSCOW CITY MUSEUM
Moscow City Museum & Observation Deck is a unique museum if you like high altitudes in Moscow with spectacular views of the capital.
There is both an observation deck and a museum. Firstly, the view is absolutely incredible. Moscow is scattered directly in front of your eyes and you will not be able to remove her eyes from her. You will take your best selfie ever here!
Secondly, the stories they tell about Moscow are super entertaining. It’s like a real sightseeing tour. Definitely worth a visit!
10. “WINE & DINE
As you can imagine, the eateries in Moscow are very varied!
You have to go out and eat in Russia of course & why not try Russian cuisine? It is the most widespread country in the world for food. Fish is a top seller in many parts of Russia, and soups (both hot and cold) are very much enjoyed. Then of course you have the right “Borstjt”. You have to try!
HERE ARE SOME YOU NEED TO TRY OUT;
- Blini.
- Borscht.
- Pelmeni.
- Pirozhki.
- Beef Stroganoff.
- Solyanka.
- Olivier Salad.
- Medovik.
Here’s my story of my traveling in Russia!
St. Petersburg.
It’s Monday morning, and I’m leaving the cold in Finland behind me. After three and a half hour on a train I’m welcomed with beautiful spring weather in St. Petersburg. My cold injuries are now only a memory.
My sneakers will take me to many exciting places, including Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood, Kazan Chatedral, Saints Peter and Paul Chatedral. Wow, those buildings!
It feels like a different world! This also depends on Russia’s special alphabet. I don’t understand a single letter! Combined with the Russians poor English skills, it was pretty hard for me to communicate with them.
On the local bar O’Hooligans, while watching the Champions League, I still managed to order a beer or five (who’s counting?).
The high speed train will now take me to Moscow. Hang on to see what I will be doing there!
Moscow.
The high speed train will take me to Moscow metropolis. To my surprise, snow and ice are not a fact. On the contrary, summer is here! My sunglasses are no longer in my backpack when I visit the Red Square, St. Basil’s Cathedral and last but not least: Kremlin, also known as Russia’s power center.
After meters of long queues up to the ticket hatches, I get into the area to see the Kremlin Armory, giving me a hearty eye opener. Behind the glass in a cabinet are two figures, representing a child and the child’s parent, both wearing military equipment from head to toe. It reminds me of how lucky I’ve been, who did not have to grow up under such conditions. I then visit a lot of churches and overall, this experiences are the coolest ever.
Moscow is cool, because there are great contrasts between the different parts of the city. Quite different from the Kremlin, Moscow City is adorned with skyscrapers and various modernities.
There are clearly more attractions that I unfortunately don’t have time to see during my five days in the city. But I’ve had time to try a lot of new, sometimes not so good food, including the dish Borch. It’s a beetroot soup that’s lovely to look at, but less lovely to put in your mouth. Perhaps my western taste buds are not used to the Russian flavors.
Lastly: a football game. CSKA Moscow lost their game with 1–2 on home turf against their rival Dynamo Moscow.
