Requirements for visiting Russia

[sergeyvzn]

I reckon warm clothes would be a requirement.

Not in July - it's summer. Likely to be hot. I'm talking + 30C

 

[dcm]

We visited St Petersburg and Moscow a few years ago during summer (very hot that year!) Started at St Petersburg and then went on a day train to Moscow, spending 4 or 5 days in each. We loved St Petersburg and expected that Moscow would not appeal to us as much but we ended up finding it much more interesting. This is particularly so if you are interested in 20th Century History. Moscow takes a bit more effort and is more challenging I think; we were glad we visited the cities in that order. Our daughter was particularly interested in Russian authors so we visited some very interesting tiny museums. Be careful: the Kremlin is closed on Thursdays. We took a train to Sergiev Posad and spent a fascinating day at the monastery there. We organised invitations through the hotel in St Petersburg and arranged the visas ouselves. Hope to return for a longer an more extensive visit. Moscow and St Petersburg are very different but you can love both!

 

[Edge]

tip: if your fiance / wife is russian, make sure you get her to buy all of the tickets to any of the museums or galleries you go to. it's MUCH cheaper for locals. and no pleasantries (please / thankyou).. the true russian way is to walk up and say "dva bilet" and hand over the money

 

[sergeyvzn]

tip: if your fiance / wife is russian, make sure you get her to buy all of the tickets to any of the museums or galleries you go to. it's MUCH cheaper for locals. and no pleasantries (please / thankyou).. the true russian way is to walk up and say "dva bilet" and hand over the money

at your own risk. Yes, dual pricing is a problem. However, people controlling entry to theatres/museums in both MOW and LED are vigilant and will recognise you as a foreigner in no time. Then a scandal and bying a new, full price ticket is likely. Happened to me and my partner a number of times, including Mariinsky Theatre in St.Petersburg and Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow. I was let in alright and my partner was stopped immediately. Not sure what it is, it must be that foreigners dress differently and look differently, or something...after many years in Australia my clothes look different, too, but at least if I get stopped I can tell them off in Russian

 

[Wezza]

I recommend visiting the Hermitage in Saint Petersburg. Also, if you like bizarre things check out Kunstkamera. (Not for the faint hearted)