From the Kremlin and Red Square to the Hermitage and the canals of Venice of the North — explore Russia's two greatest cities, their palaces, museums, and history.
Two Cities, One Epic Journey
Moscow and Saint Petersburg are two of Europe's most magnificent cities. Moscow is the political and spiritual heart of Russia, while Saint Petersburg is its cultural and artistic soul. Visiting both gives you the full picture of this vast country.
Moscow: The Heart of Russia
Moscow is a city of grandeur and grit. Red Square is the epicenter — the colorful St. Basil's Cathedral, the Kremlin, and the GUM department store surround it. The Moscow Metro is itself an attraction, with stations decorated like underground palaces.
Must-see: Red Square and St. Basil's, the Kremlin and its cathedrals, the Bolshoi Theatre, and the Tretyakov Gallery for Russian art.
For a different perspective, take a boat cruise on the Moscow River, and visit the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour with its golden domes.
Saint Petersburg: The Venice of the North
Saint Petersburg, built by Peter the Great as Russia's "window to the West," is arguably Russia's most beautiful city. The Hermitage Museum, housed in the Winter Palace, is one of the world's great art museums — you'd need years to see it all.
Must-see: The Hermitage, the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood, Peter and Paul Fortress, and a boat tour of the canals.
Don't miss the Peterhof Palace (the "Russian Versailles") with its spectacular fountains, and the Catherine Palace at Pushkin, with its legendary Amber Room.
The White Nights
Visit Saint Petersburg in June or July for the White Nights, when the sun barely sets and the city celebrates with festivals, concerts, and midnight canal cruises. It's a magical time when the city truly comes alive.
Practical Tips
- Visa: Check current visa requirements; e-visa available for some nationalities
- Best time: May to September (White Nights in June-July)
- Currency: Russian Ruble (RUB)
- Language: Russian; limited English outside tourist areas
- Getting between cities: Sapsan high-speed train (4 hours) or overnight train
Russia's two capitals are a study in contrasts — Moscow's power and Saint Petersburg's beauty — and together they tell the story of a remarkable country.
