13 Things to Do in Russia

The heart of Russia — St. Basil's Cathedral, Lenin's Mausoleum, and the Kremlin fortress on one square.

Russia's imperial 'Window on Europe' — the Hermitage, Peterhof fountains, and White Nights of summer.

One of the world's greatest art museums — 3 million objects in 350 rooms of the Winter Palace.

The world's deepest lake — 20% of Earth's fresh surface water, crystal clear, and extraordinarily beautiful.

The world's longest railway at 9,289km — from Moscow to Vladivostok through Siberia over seven days.

The world's most beautiful metro — Soviet-era marble stations with chandeliers, mosaics, and sculptures.

Russia's most iconic public space — St. Basil's, the Kremlin, and Lenin's Mausoleum.

One of Earth's greatest art museums — 3 million works in the imperial Winter Palace.

One of the world's greatest ballet and opera companies — iconic performances in a stunning imperial theatre.

Peter the Great's baroque palace and fountain park — the 'Russian Versailles' on the Gulf of Finland.

Active volcanoes, geysers, and brown bear wilderness on Russia's Pacific volcanic coast.

A UNESCO-listed Tatar kremlin — a mosque and orthodox church side by side within the same fortress walls.

The famous 'White Nights' of June — when St. Petersburg never gets dark, drawing artists and revellers.