Russian Federation Russia 2 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring Moscow

Morning:

  • Start your day with a hearty breakfast at a local café. Try the traditional Russian pancakes - blini or porridge - kasha.
  • Visit the Red Square (Красная площадь): Home to iconic buildings such as St. Basil’s Cathedral, GUM Department Store, and the historic walls and towers of the Kremlin.
  • Enter The Moscow Kremlin (Московский Кремль): Explore its cathedrals, palaces, and museums. Remember to check the dress code before visiting the cathedrals.
  • Lunch at a local restaurant. Try Borscht (beet soup), Pelmeni (meat dumplings), or Okroshka (cold soup).

Afternoon:

  • Visit Bolshoi Theatre (Большой Театр): If you’re lucky, you might catch a performance. Check the schedule in advance.
  • Explore Gorky Park (Парк Горького): A popular recreational space with various activities like boat rentals, art installations, and food stalls.

Evening:

  • Dinner at a restaurant offering traditional Russian cuisine.
  • Stroll along Arbat Street (Улица Арабатская) - a pedestrian street filled with souvenir shops, cafes, and street performers.

Day 2: Discovering Saint Petersburg

Morning:

  • Take the high-speed Sapsan train from Moscow to Saint Petersburg (around 4 hours).
  • Visit The Hermitage Museum (Государственный Эрмитаж): One of the largest and oldest museums in the world, housing over 3 million items.
  • Lunch at a local restaurant. Try Saint Petersburg’s specialty, the “Saint Petersburg sandwich” - a combination of pickled herring, boiled egg, and onion on black bread.

Afternoon:

  • Take a canal tour: Explore Saint Petersburg from its famous canals, similar to Venice.
  • Visit Peter and Paul Fortress (Петер и Павел) - the historical birthplace of Saint Petersburg and the resting place of many Russian emperors and empresses.

Evening:

  • Dinner at a local restaurant. Try Baltic herring, caviar, or Kasatka (a popular dessert made from poppy seeds).
  • Explore Nevsky Prospekt (Невский проспект): The city’s main street filled with shops, cafes, and historic buildings.

Remember:

  1. Visa: Most tourists need a Russian visa to enter the country. Check the current requirements on the official website of the Russian Foreign Ministry.
  2. Currency: The local currency is the Ruble (RUB). Credit cards are widely accepted in cities, but it’s always good to have cash for smaller establishments.
  3. Safety: Like any big city, be aware of your surroundings, especially at night.
  4. Language: While many people understand some English, knowing a few Russian words and phrases can enhance your experience.
  5. Electricity: The standard voltage is 220V, so you might need an adapter for your electronics.
  6. Transportation: Moscow has an extensive metro system, while Saint Petersburg’s public transportation includes trams, buses, and the metro. Taxis are also readily available.