Russia

Russia is a very big country. It has a long and deep past. You can see big cities and wide-open land. It offers a trip through imperial cities. It also has the vast wilderness of Siberia.

To see Russia, you must plan ahead. You will likely need a special paper. This is called a Russian visa. This paper lets you enter the country. Start the process early, as it can take time. Most shops in big cities open around 10 AM. They often stay open until 9 PM or later. A full trip to see the main sights needs at least ten days. This gives you time for two big cities.

In Russia, life in the big cities is fast. You will see many people walking on the streets. The metro, or subway, is a common way to travel. The stations are very deep and look like art halls. There are many things to do there. Look for the many famous tourist attractions.

You will find the food in Russia is hearty. Many dishes have potatoes, cabbage, and meat. Try a warm soup called borscht, which is bright red. Also, try pelmeni, which are small meat dumplings. After a long day of walking, it is nice to relax. You can sit in a park or by a river.

The history of Russia is long and full of change. It began over a thousand years ago with small tribes. Later, powerful kings called tsars ruled the land. They built huge palaces and strong fortresses. This period shaped the nation's art and buildings.

The country saw big changes in the 20th century. This history is now a key part of its story. You can feel this past in the monuments. You can see it in the grand public squares. It makes the country a special place to learn. Its past shaped the nation we see today.

• •Russia is famous for its great art and stories. This includes ballet, classical music, and famous books. This rich Russian culture is known all over the world.
• •The country is known for its size and power. It is the largest nation on Earth by land area. It plays a big role in world events.
• •Its unique buildings are also very famous. The colorful onion domes on its churches are easy to spot. This style is not seen anywhere else.
• •The cold, snowy winters are a big part of its image. This season has shaped the people and their way of life. This unique mix makes Russian tourism a great choice for many.

The scenery in Russia changes a lot. In the west, you will find rolling plains and big forests. The Volga River, one of Europe's longest, flows here. The land is green and full of life in the summer.

As you travel east, the land gets wilder. You will reach the Ural Mountains. Beyond them lies the huge land of Siberia. Here, you find deep forests called taiga and frozen tundra. The nature here is vast, quiet, and beautiful. The sunsets paint the sky with red and gold over the wide land.

The style of Russia is a mix of old and new. The most famous style is seen in its churches. They have bright, painted domes that look like flames or onions. These domes are often covered in gold or bright tiles. This makes them shine in the sun.

In cities like Moscow, you will see strong, solid buildings from the Soviet era. These are large and often grey. But they stand next to modern glass skyscrapers. This mix shows the country's long and changing history. Even small towns have cute wooden houses with carved windows.

The best time to Visit Russia is in the summer. This is from June to August. The weather is warm and nice. The days are very long and sunny. You have more time to see things.

But this is also a busy time with more people. For fewer crowds, try May or September. The air is cool and crisp. The fall colors are also very pretty. Winter is very cold but beautiful. The snow makes everything look like a fairy tale.

Most people fly to Russia. The main international airports are in Moscow and St. Petersburg. They are called Sheremetyevo (SVO) and Domodedovo (DME) in Moscow. Pulkovo (LED) is the airport for St. Petersburg. These airports have flights from all over the world.

You can also get there by train from Europe. The trains are safe and offer a nice view. For a true adventure, take the famous Trans-Siberian Railway. This train line goes all the way across Russia. It is one of the longest train rides in the world.

• •Wear comfortable shoes
• •Carry water bottles
• •Follow the local rules
• •Stay safe at the spot
• •Respect the Russia
• •Bring good clothes
• •Do not bring banned items

1. •The Kremlin: This spot is in Russia and is a huge walled fortress. Inside, you will find ancient cathedrals and the president's office.
2. •Red Square: This spot is in Russia and is right next to the Kremlin. It is home to some of the best Moscow attractions, like St. Basil's Cathedral.
3. •The Hermitage Museum: This spot is in Russia and is one of the world's largest art museums. Our St. Petersburg guide shows it has works by famous artists.
4. •Peterhof Palace: This spot is in Russia and is known as the "Russian Versailles." Its amazing gardens are filled with hundreds of golden fountains.
5. •Lake Baikal: This spot is in Russia and is the oldest and deepest lake on Earth. In winter, the ice is so clear you can see through it.
6. •St. Petersburg's Canals: These are in Russia and give the city its nickname, "Venice of the North." When you Travel to Russia, a boat trip here is a must-do.