- Visit the Kremlin Grounds, a historical and architectural reserve, and the former seat of the Russian Government. While visiting, make a stop at the Armory museum, the depository of Russian riches, including weapons.
- Take a stroll through the garden’s of Peterhof Palace. Inspired from the Palace of Versailles in Paris, this is a great option for a day trip outside of St. Petersburg, taking about an hour to arrive via train/bus.
- Take in a performance at Bolshoi Theatre, a historical theatre in Moscow. Depending on the time of year, grab a ticket and enjoy an opera or ballet performance.
- Visit the first museum dedicated to Russia’s fine art, the TretyakovGallery. Originally start in 1892, the gallery now holds more than 1,300 pieces of Russian fine art.
- Take a tour of Moscow’s metro, “a palace built for the people.” Make sure to stop at the Mayakovskaya, known as the most beautiful metro station in the world.
- Visit the Vodka Museum, in Mandrogi, to grab a souvenir or sample one of Russia’s most famous exports.
Best Things to Do in Volga River
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Things to do in Volga River - Expert's guide
1. Kremlin Grounds
The Kremlin grounds (kremlin is the Russian word for “fortress”) is a historical and architectural reserve. Kremlin Grounds is where the former seat of the Russian Government is located. While visiting the area, check out the Czar’s cannon, the cathedrals (including the main place of worship cathedral, The Assumption Cathedral), and the 200 ton Czar’s bell. Make sure to visit the cathedral square, too.
2. Peterhof Palace
Often referred as the Russian’s Versaille’s, the Peterhof Palace is located about an hour outside of St. Petersburg, making for a great day trip option. This is the summer home of the Czar’s. Take a stroll through the marvelous gardens, and admire the world-class fountiains that are known for being powered by the force of gravity.
3. Vodka Museum
Vodka is one of Russia’s biggest import, and you can actually visit a Vodka Museum, located in the village of Mandrogi, a stop along the Volga River. Sample one of the 1300 brands of vodka’s offered, or buy a bottle to bring home as a souvenir. If you miss out on this Vodka Museum, there is also one in St. Petersburg.
4. Armory Museum
The Armory Museum is located at the Kremlin grounds, and is the depository of Russian Riches. Look at all the treasures this museum has to offer, including weapons, carriages, and thrones. Also featured in the museum is gold and silverware, from as early as the 12th century. Also available to view is the state regalia – including crowns and the Monomakh’s cap. Coronation dresses are on display as well.
5. Bolshoi Theatre
Most tours offer an opportunity to take in an opera or a ballet performance at the world renowned, historical Bolshoi Theatre. The show will depend on the season, but regardless of what viewing you receive, it will be a memorable experience. This theatre and opera is one of the oldest and biggest in the world, and it is home to the world’s biggest ballet company.
6. Tretyakov Gallery
The Tretyakov Gallery is the first museum that is dedicated to Russia’s fine art. The collection started back in 1892 by Pavel Mikhailovich Tretyakov, and now contains over 1300 pieces of fine art. The museum offers tours in English.
7. Moscow Metro
Explore all that Moscow has to offer while riding Moscow’s metro. Visitors from across the globe come to Russia to see the most beautiful metro station, Mayakovskaya. When the metro was designed, one of the architects thought that people deserved palaces too, which inspired the beauty that has become the Moscow Metro. Hop on the train and see all the art that fills each station stop, such as the stained glass in Novoslobeodskaya, and the mosaics found in Komsomolskaya.
8. Governor’s Palace
The Governor’s Palace is the main attraction of the port city of Yaroslavl. While visiting the palace, check out the ancient monastery, and the church of Elijah the Prophet. Walk along the gardens and view the sculptures. At the end of the garden, there will be a little “market” filled with stalls selling local products.
9. Hermitage Museum
Visit the other comparison of Paris’ landmarks, the Hermitage Museum, often compared to the Louvre. The Hermitage Museum is known as one of the grandest art museums worldwide. There are nearly three million exhibits that fill over 400 rooms, including originals from Leonardo da Vince, Van Gogh, and Picasso.
10. Church of Transfiguration
The Church of Transfiguration is a magnificent architecture piece that was built with wood without any nails. Located on Kizhi Island, this church is a historical site dating back to the 17th century. The Church of Transfiguration was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1990, and was also named a Russian Cultural Heritage site in 1993.
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