When people think of Russians, they might often imagine them as tough and stern, but Russia actually boasts a rich variety of landscapes and artistic culture, and its locals are also very friendly and warm-hearted. As the host country of the passionate 2018 FIFA World Cup that kicked off on June 14th last year, Russia has always been shrouded in mystery, sparking great curiosity. Travel experts have put together essential pre-trip information and a handy guide to attractions and food for your trip to Russia, so that the next time you visit this vast Siberian land, you can relax and enjoy every moment with ease.
A Few Things About Russian Weather
Isn’t Russia supposed to be really cold?!
The average annual temperature in Russia ranges between -11°C and 24°C, which can be roughly divided into the cold season and the warm season. The former runs from November to March of the following year, while the latter spans from May to August. Therefore, the recommended travel period is from mid-June to mid-August. In terms of humidity, Russia is drier compared to Taiwan. If you have dry skin, remember to pack lotion, face cream, and lip balm when traveling to Russia—otherwise, your skin might really crack from the dryness.
Quick Reminder:It pretty much rains all year round in Russia, so make sure to bring rain gear—it’s essential.
Even though there can be temperature differences between morning and night in Russia, most indoor spaces are well-heated. So the best approach is layering. Most importantly, bring a warm, instantly cozy wool coat. Otherwise, if you dress like a rice dumpling from head to toe, you’ll definitely overheat once you step inside an indoor space—you won’t feel like you’re in a high-latitude area at all, and will only be left fumbling with layers of clothing to take off.
Quick Reminder:When choosing a coat, make sure it won’t blow off even in strong winds or has an adjustable drawstring hood—otherwise, in the cold season, constantly adjusting your hat with your hands will leave them frozen stiff.
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Snow, snow, and more snow
For those of us living in tropical regions, seeing snow can be particularly thrilling—we might shout, cheer, and run around in excitement. But don’t get too carried away upon seeing the snow; here are a few things to keep in mind:
Watch out for ice on the ground
A simple slip could even lead to a fracture in serious cases.
Opt for thick-soled and waterproof shoes
Otherwise, stepping into deep snowdrifts could result in wet feet at best—or frostbitten toes at worst.
Use an umbrella or wear a hat
Snowflakes falling on you may look romantic, but let me whisper this to you—if it melts, you’ll find out the hard way. Without proper waterproof clothing, once the snow melts, it's as if you've been caught in the rain, making you very prone to catching a cold.
Quick Reminder:It’s highly recommended to buy a local woolen hat in Russia—not only is it warm, but it’s also quite affordable.
Recommended Attractions: Red Square, Kremlin, Peterhof Palace, State Hermitage Museum
Russian Visa & Currency Exchange Tips
How Do I Apply for a Visa?
Russia is not a visa-free country, so you’ll need to apply for a visa to visit for tourism. A single-entry tourist visa allows a maximum stay of 30 days, and the visa validity is calculated from your date of entry. Here’s a super simple guide to help you tackle the often-troublesome Russian visa application:
Just Four Simple Steps
1. Confirm the details (entry and exit dates, cities you plan to visit, accommodation)
2. Apply online for an invitation letter and original accommodation certification (collectively referred to as Visa Support) through a local Russian travel agency.
3. Fill out the visa application form on the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.
4. Submit the documents to the relevant authority for review.
5. After completing the visa application form, you can then proceed to the office that issues Russian visas (the Taipei Office of the Moscow Economic and Cultural Coordination Committee) or send your materials to a facilitator (Shuangdu Economic & Trade Co.) for processing.
For more detailed information, come here.Official website of the Moscow-Beijing Coordination Committee
Once you've gathered all the necessary documents (hotel booking details, electronic flight tickets) and your visa, you're ready to fly to Russia~
Important reminders:Upon entry, you will receive an Immigration Card (Migration Card). Be sure to keep it safe! It will be checked when checking into hotels and must be returned upon departure!
How to exchange money in Russia?
The currency in Russia is the ruble. It’s recommended to bring U.S. dollars or euros and exchange them at local airports, hotels, or currency exchange offices in busy areas. If you don’t speak the language, it’s better to use hotels (airports are more expensive), which helps reduce the risk of receiving counterfeit money. Ruble coins come in many denominations, but the most commonly used banknotes include 1000, 500, 100, and 50. Some well-known attractions do accept U.S. dollars and euros, so if you’re also traveling around Europe, you can spend any leftover euros here too~
Fun fact:In Russia, using the restroom usually requires payment—whether it's in churches, train stations, or museums—so remember to carry some small change! (around 20-35 rubles)
English might not get you far
English isn't widely spoken in Russia, especially in Moscow. St. Petersburg is relatively more Europeanized, so communication in English is somewhat possible there. However, most signs in Russia are in Russian, so it's best for those who don’t speak the language to join a tour or hire a local guide to avoid missing out on key historical details and sightseeing highlights~
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Is Russia safe?
You may have seen online reports of women having their bags snatched, but actually, major tourist cities in Russia like Moscow and St. Petersburg are relatively safe, with many police patrols around. But while guns may be easy to dodge, pickpockets are harder to spot! Though robbers may be fewer, thieves are always lurking. So stay vigilant and cautious to prevent losses. Here are some common pickpocketing tactics and precautions compiled for you by Travel Café:
1. Don’t keep valuables in outer pockets
2. Don’t sleep on the metro or buses
3. Try to hold your phone with both hands
4. Don’t help someone pick up dropped money
5. When hanging your jacket on the back of a chair in public places (like restaurants), don’t leave valuables in the pockets
Must-visit attractions in Russia
The Kremlin
These complexes of buildings located in the capital city of Moscow are iconic landmarks of Russia. They served as the former residence of the Tsars and witnessed numerous historical and political changes. In 1990, they were listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Today, they serve as the administrative headquarters of the Russian government and the official residence of the President. Surrounded by red walls, the Kremlin consists of six buildings, including four palaces, four cathedrals, and nineteen towers.
St. Basil’s Cathedral
Also known as the Cathedral of Vasily the Blessed, this vibrantly colored building is instantly recognizable—so much so that many mistake it for the Kremlin itself. Located southeast of Red Square, the church consists of nine chapels and is an Eastern Orthodox cathedral, facing the Spasskaya Tower of the Kremlin. Aside from its eye-catching exterior, the colorful frescoes inside the church are also stunning. Legend has it that Tsar Ivan the Terrible had the architects blinded after the church was built to prevent them from creating another equally magnificent structure.
Subway station
Moscow's subway stations are globally recognized as some of the most beautiful, with over two hundred stations, each featuring its own unique character. It’s no exaggeration to call it an underground art palace. Most stations are constructed from marble and granite, with meticulously tiled floors, ornate stained glass, and station ceilings adorned with intricate bas-reliefs that leave visitors in awe. For air defense purposes, Russian subway stations are very deep. Among them, Victory Park Station has an escalator stretching 126 meters and a staircase with 740 steps (what even is Zhongxiao Fuxing?). Standing at the bottom, you can’t even see the end — you really need to grip the handrail and step carefully. I think Russians must often miss their trains—after all, the stations are just too stunning~
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?Red Square
Red Square is the oldest square in Moscow, entirely paved with stone, giving off a strong sense of history. In ancient Russian, the word "red" also meant "beautiful," which is the origin of the square’s name. Red Square is often used for public ceremonies and was where Russian tsars were crowned. Nearby, there is the famous Historical Museum, housing a vast collection including ancient artifacts, clothing, daily items, and more — essentially covering the entirety of Russian history. The building’s exterior is strikingly red and very recognizable. If you miss it, I’ll say your eyes must be huge!
Pro tip:Red Square feels completely different during the day and night. It’s recommended to visit both times to enjoy the varying atmospheres.
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Izmailovo Art Market
This large open-air art market located in the suburbs of Moscow is a must-visit for those who love small souvenirs and haggling. Many vendors speak English, and whether it’s leather goods, wood carvings, or handicrafts — such as the must-buy Russian nesting dolls — you can easily find them here. There are also food stalls and seating areas where you can take a break.
Friendly reminder:When buying Russian dolls, remember to open each layer to check for damage — otherwise, you might be out of luck if you discover any at home!
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Peterhof Palace
Built in 1709, Peterhof Palace is known as the Versailles of Russia, and true to form, it’s another extravagantly designed palace. The palace grounds include gardens spanning thousands of square meters, divided into upper and lower sections. The gardens feature numerous fountains, the most famous being the Grand Cascade in the Lower Garden, with its golden statues. The gardens are free to visit, but the Grand Palace requires a ticket. The interior of the palace is dazzlingly opulent — so much so you might get blinded by the glitter — but photography is prohibited inside, so you’ll have to fly to Russia to witness the palace’s interior splendor for yourself!
Fun fact:Every morning at 10 AM, there’s a fountain show where the fountains dance to symphonic music. Be sure to arrive early to grab a good spot~
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The Hermitage Museum
Commonly known as the Winter Palace, the Hermitage Museum is one of the world’s four major museums, alongside the Louvre in Paris, the British Museum, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. The building features a rectangular structure, with green walls accented by white columns decorated with golden carvings, and the roof is lined with numerous impressive sculptures. After the October Revolution, the Soviet government gathered a massive collection of artworks here, bringing the museum’s holdings to over three million pieces, including works by masters like Da Vinci and Picasso. The interior of the museum shines with gold — from the floors to the columns to the chandeliers — definitely something to keep your eyes glued to. Plus, photography is allowed inside! Don’t forget to charge your camera before you go!
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Lake Baikal
Known as the Pearl of Siberia, Lake Baikal formed 25 million years ago and is the clearest and oldest lake in the world. Its untouched ecosystem has even earned it the nickname “museum of evolution.” What draws many visitors is the surreal blue light that shimmers beneath the ice when the lake freezes over in winter, illuminated by the sun. In winter, the frozen surface of Lake Baikal can be several feet thick, allowing you to walk on the ice while admiring the breathtaking view below. Due to the lake’s clarity, visibility can reach up to 40 meters. If you’re visiting Russia, this blue emerald paradise is not to be missed.
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Russian Cuisine Beyond Vodka
Blini
Don’t mistake them for French crêpes. Known as Russian pancakes, blini come in both savory versions filled with various meats and sweet ones topped with jam and whipped cream. Early Slavic peoples used to make golden round blini to celebrate the arrival of the sun and held a series of festivities called Maslenitsa, a tradition that continues to this day.
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Rye Bread
Compared to the more common white bread we’re used to, Russians prefer rye bread, which can even be considered one of their staple foods. A type of whole grain bread, rye bread may not be visually appealing with its dark color, but its rich dietary fiber aids digestion. It’s recommended to enjoy it with cheese, ham, or bacon, and pair it with a sip of vodka – you’ll definitely get hooked.
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GUM Department Store Ice Cream (морожное)
Located in the upscale GUM Department Store near Red Square, this is a must-try ice cream when visiting Russia. In addition to classic vanilla, there are also unique flavors such as cantaloupe, caramel pudding, and pistachio. If the luxury stores in the department store are too intimidating, go for an affordable 50-ruble ice cream cone instead.
Pro Tip: Every year on July 5th, Moscow hosts an Ice Cream Festival where shops stay open until 10 PM, and cones are specially priced at just 20 rubles.
Recommended Attractions: Red Square, Kremlin, Peterhof Palace, Hermitage Museum
That’s the quick travel guide to Russia compiled for you by Travel Cafe. Finish your research and set off on your trip.
By Jess Han | Tripresso Travel Cafe Editorial Team