←Russia travel guide
Moscow, Russia
Moscow
Imperial grandeur and Soviet might at the heart of Russia
ArchitectureArt & MuseumsCultureHistory & Heritage
Moscow is the capital and largest city of Russia, where the onion-domed towers of the Kremlin and the colourful facade of St Basil's Cathedral frame the vast expanse of Red Square. The city layers centuries of tsarist palaces, Soviet monuments, and contemporary culture across its sprawling streets and world-class metro system.
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Best time to visit
May to September
Region
Moscow
Main airport
Moscow SVO (SVO)
Discover
Top Things to Do in Moscow
UNESCO World HeritageHistory
Moscow Kremlin and Red Square
The Kremlin is a fortified complex that has served as the seat of Russian power since the 13th century, enclosing ancient cathedrals, grand palaces, and state armouries behind its famous red-brick walls. Red Square adjoins it to the east, where the distinctive multicoloured onion domes of St Basil's Cathedral (completed 1560) and the austere lines of Lenin's Mausoleum face one another across the cobblestones. Together they form a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the symbolic centre of Russia.
UNESCO World HeritageCulture
Beyond the City
Day Trips from Moscow
Culture
Trans-Siberian Railway
Stretching approximately 9,289 kilometres from Moscow's Yaroslavsky Station to Vladivostok on the Pacific coast, the Trans-Siberian is the longest single continuous railway line in the world, constructed between 1891 and 1916. The main route passes through eight time zones, across the Ural Mountains, along the southern shore of Lake Baikal, and through vast stretches of Siberian taiga and steppe. Riding even a section of the line offers an unparalleled overland perspective on the breadth of the Russian landscape.
UNESCO World HeritageCulture
Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius
The spiritual heart of the Russian Orthodox Church at Sergiev Posad, founded in the 14th century by Sergius of Radonezh. Its walled complex of cathedrals, bell tower, and icon-filled churches remains an active monastery and major pilgrimage site.
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Plan Your Trip
Getting Around Moscow
Tours, stays, transfers, and flights — curated partner options are on the way.
Tours & Activities
Skip-the-line tickets, guided tours, and day experiences — curated partner options are on the way.
Coming soonWhere to Stay
Hotels, apartments, and guesthouses across every neighbourhood — booking options are on the way.
Coming soonAirport Transfers
Private and shared rides between the airport and the city centre — partner options are on the way.
Coming soonFlights
Compare fares from hundreds of airlines to find the best route in — search options are on the way.
Coming soonTravel Guide
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Russia
Entry requirements vary by passport. Check the requirements for your specific passport on the Russia page at Yoogo.
Russia uses the Russian ruble (RUB). Card payments are widely accepted in major cities at hotels, restaurants, and supermarkets, though smaller establishments and rural areas often prefer cash. It is advisable to carry rubles for markets, public transport, and smaller towns where card infrastructure is less reliable.
Russia's major tourist destinations, including central Moscow and Saint Petersburg, have large numbers of international visitors and established tourist infrastructure. Travellers are encouraged to consult their government's current travel advisory before departure, as conditions can vary significantly by region.
Moscow and Saint Petersburg both have extensive metro systems, widely regarded as efficient and affordable, with English signage available in major stations. Long-distance travel between cities is most commonly done by train, including high-speed Sapsan services between Moscow and Saint Petersburg, while domestic flights connect more distant destinations such as Vladivostok and Sochi.
Late spring (May to June) and early autumn (September to October) offer mild temperatures and manageable crowds, making them popular times to visit the main cities. Saint Petersburg is particularly sought after in June and early July for the White Nights, when the sky barely darkens overnight, while ski resorts in Sochi and the Caucasus are at their best from December to March.
English is increasingly spoken in Moscow and Saint Petersburg, particularly among younger residents, hotel staff, and workers in tourist areas. Outside major cities, English proficiency drops considerably, and it is useful to learn the Cyrillic alphabet to read signs and to know a handful of basic Russian phrases, as these are appreciated by locals.
No vaccinations are required for entry into Russia, but travellers are advised to ensure routine immunisations including hepatitis A, diphtheria, tetanus, and measles are up to date. Those planning outdoor activities in forested or rural regions, particularly in Siberia and the Far East, should consider a tick-borne encephalitis vaccine, as the condition is present in parts of Russia. Seek advice from a travel health clinic at least four to six weeks before departure.
Tipping is not obligatory in Russia but is customary in restaurants in major cities, where 10 per cent of the bill is a common and appreciated gesture. It is best to tip in cash and hand it directly to the server. Hotel porters and housekeeping staff are often tipped small amounts as well.