Things to do when in Russia

Russian Matryoshka Dolls

Russia may not be the first place you think of when first receiving your renewed passport, maybe not even in the top 10, but there are many things to see and do during a vacation in Russia. In recent years Russia has grown in popularity among tourists, in part because of the vast amount of things there is to see and the rich history of the country. From their world renowned ballet troupes to the Kremlin, there really is something for everyone in Russia.

St Basil Cathedral

Moscow is a must visit location that should be included in any trip to Russia. This is where one of Russia’s most popular attractions, St. Basil’s Cathedral, is located. Situated just outside Red Square, St Basil’s was built in the 16th century and is a collection of nine separate chapels, each of which have their own unique dome of vibrant colors and different shapes. Red Square is one of Moscow’s most visited places. It has been the site of wide variety of events, from religious festivals to public executions and is the home of Lenin’s mausoleum. After taking all of this great history if you need a break why not head over to the GUM Department store, located just outside Red Square, which is the largest department store in Russia.

Kremlin

Any trip to Moscow would not be complete without a visit to the Kremlin. A architectural wonder, the Kremlin is a symbol of Russian power and is a place where you really can see it all in one from ballet to art. The Kremlin was finished in 1495, however it has been renovated many times since then allowing for a very unique design. Moscow is also home to some of the best opera and ballet troupes in the world and there is no better place to take in a performance than the Bolshoi Theater, which is the oldest theater in Moscow. Although it was rebuilt after a fire and hurricane, close to one billon dollars were spent on the renovation making the Bolshoi Theater as good if not better than it was before it was destroyed.

Bolshoi Theater

The third largest city in Russia is Nizhny Novgorod and, although it is smaller, it has many points of interest of its own. There are many museums in the city of Nizhny Novgorod but, one that stands out from the crowd is the History of Punishment in the Middle Ages Museum. While this may not be the best destination for children or the faint of heart it truly is a great place for the history buffs out there. If museums are just not your thing or maybe you just want a few great picture opportunities, than a cable car trip across the Volga River may be just what you are looking for. The cable car in Nizhny Novgorod travels across the Volga giving passengers a picturesque view of the city as well as the river.

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