Please note that the Russia Travel Advisory from the U.S. Department of State is at Level 4: Do Not Travel. Russia has a special draw for visitors from all over the world. The country's size means that there truly is something for everyone here, whether you're interested in historic cities and monuments, dramatic landscapes and scenery, or world-class museums of art, literature, and culture. Obtaining a Russian visa can be a difficult process.
Saint Petersburg
Please note that the Russia Travel Advisory from the U.S. Department of State is at Level 4: Do Not Travel.
The second-largest Russian city after Moscow, Saint Petersburg is filled to the brim with world-class art, culture, and history. The historic city center has the honor of being a UNESCO World Heritage Site; the biggest attraction here is the massive Winter Palace, which houses the Hermitage Museum and boasts a collection of more than three million items that have been collected from all over the world. You wouldn't run out of things to do in Saint Petersburg even if you spent years here, but other highlights include the opera and ballet shows, the many historical monuments, and the boat tours of the canals.
Moscow
Please note that the Russia Travel Advisory from the U.S. Department of State is at Level 4: Do Not Travel.
As the capital of Russia and the country's largest city, Moscow is where most visitors get their first real taste of Russian culture. The city is cosmopolitan, but it still maintains its traditional charm thanks to the many historic buildings and monuments that dot the streets. A visit to Moscow wouldn't be complete without a visit to the historic Kremlin, which sits in the city center and is surrounded by the well-known Red Square, but visitors should also make sure to take advantage of the many excellent restaurants, bars, and shopping centers that have sprung up in more recent years.
Vladivostok
Please note that the Russia Travel Advisory from the U.S. Department of State is at Level 4: Do Not Travel.
The city of Vladivostok is one of the most important commercial ports and naval bases in Russia, but it's also a charming city that offers plenty of interesting things for visitors to see and do. Tucked between the rolling hills of the Russian Far East and the sandy bays of the Pacific, the city has plenty of pleasant walking trails and beaches ideal for swimming. The most popular beach by far is the beautiful Golden Horn Bay, over which stretches a giant 1.3-mile-long suspension bridge that has become one of the most notable landmarks in the city.