See what the experts are saying about Russia. Get expert advice on how to get there what to see and more.
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Introduction
Russia breathes superlatives: the world's biggest country; its largest supplier of natural gas and second-largest oil producer; and home of the planet's longest railroads, busiest subway system (Moscow's), and one of its deepest, biggest, and... Continue reading »
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Frommer's favorite experiences
Viewing Red Square at Night (Moscow): The crimson-and-ivy-colored domes of St. Basil's Cathedral rise in a dizzying welcome to this most majestic of Russian plazas. The red stars on the Kremlin towers twinkle above one side of the square, mak... Continue reading »
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Best dining bets
Best Aristocratic Atmosphere: Plunge into the refined opulence of 19th-century Russia at Cafe Pushkin (Moscow; 26a Tverskoi Bulvar; tel. 495/229-5590) as you spear a bite of suckling pig or sip fine tea from a silver samovar. It opened in 200... Continue reading »
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The best architectural landmarks
The Kremlin (Moscow): This red-brick fortress encloses a complex of 15th-century cathedrals that serve as Russia's best-preserved window onto that era, with their gold domes and pointed arches. Surrounding them are palaces where Russia's pres... Continue reading »
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The best hotel bargains
Hotels on Nevsky (St. Petersburg; tel. 812/703-3680; www.hon.ru): A local company has renovated sections of buildings around town, including some with views of St. Petersburg's greatest monuments. A range of room sizes and services is availab... Continue reading »
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The best luxury hotels
Baltschug Kempinski (Moscow; tel. 800/426-3135; www.kempinski-moscow.com): The hotel's views of St. Basil's Cathedral, Red Square, and the Kremlin are so breathtaking that TV networks set up here for their stand-ups. The brunch is fit for a c... Continue reading »
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The best museums
State Hermitage Museum (St. Petersburg; 1 Palace Sq.; tel. 812/710-9079): The museum holds one of the world's best and biggest collections of fine art, from Egyptian carvings to Rembrandt to Impressionist masterpieces. A controversial hall ho... Continue reading »
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The best views
Lookout Point at Sparrow Hills (Moscow): With the Stalin Gothic skyscraper of Moscow State University at your back, the capital spreads out beneath you in its enormity. Watch newlyweds pose and embrace at the lookout, leaving empty champagne... Continue reading »
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The best souvenirs
Linens: Delicately embroidered tablecloths, pillowcases, and women's or children's traditional tunics made from local linen are great buys. Lacquer Boxes: Different schools produce different styles of boxes, usually in black wood decorated... Continue reading »
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The best oddball attractions
Lenin's Mausoleum (Moscow): The red-and-black granite mausoleum on Red Square is no longer the pilgrimage site it once was, and its future is in question -- which is all the more reason to go see Vladimir Lenin's embalmed body now. A visit al... Continue reading »
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Planning a trip
Russia vaults across two continents and spans 11 time zones, yet its territorial vastness is easily forgotten in the crush of rush-hour metro rides and in crowded urban apartments. This chapter helps you figure out how to tackle your trip: wh... Continue reading »
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When to go
Frost-tinged, wind-whipped, ice-glazed. Snow blankets much of Russia for much of the year, and Moscow and St. Petersburg usually see flurries in May and September. Warming global temperatures have made for some unusually mild Januarys in rece... Continue reading »
