Russia Travel Guide
Russia is a vast country with deep historical and cultural layers, but it’s best experienced by focusing on individual cities rather than treating it as a single destination. While shared history connects the country, Russia is best experienced city by city, where daily life, food culture, and regional identity vary significantly.
Travelers get the most value by choosing specific cities and understanding how each one works on its own terms — particularly when it comes to navigating neighborhoods, dining traditions, and where to stay.
Food & Travel Across Russia
Russian food culture is shaped by climate, geography, and long-standing traditions. What you eat in Moscow is not exactly the same as what you’ll find in Saint Petersburg or Kazan. Ingredients, preparation styles, and dining customs differ by region.
In general:
Urban centers feature traditional dishes alongside modern interpretations
Hearty soups, grains, and preserved foods are common
Regional cuisines reflect historical and cultural influences
Dining ranges from casual local cafés to formal, traditional restaurants
This variation is why city-specific food guides provide far more value than broad national summaries.
Travel logistics in Russia vary widely due to distance and scale. Major cities are well connected by rail and air, but neighborhood choice and proximity to transit play a major role in day-to-day convenience.
Cities in Russia
Below you’ll find our city-level guides for Russia. Each city includes:
A City Guide (what to know and how the city works)
A What to Eat guide (local food, dishes, and markets)
A Where to Stay guide (best areas and accommodation types)
Moscow
Moscow is Russia’s capital and largest city, with a dining scene that blends traditional cuisine and modern urban dining. Neighborhood choice affects access to attractions, food districts, and transportation.
Saint Petersburg
Saint Petersburg is known for its historic architecture and cultural heritage. Food culture reflects European influences, and staying centrally makes it easier to explore dining areas and major sights.
Kazan
Kazan blends Russian and Tatar cultures, resulting in a distinct regional food identity. Where you stay influences access to local dining, historic areas, and daily life.
Planning Your Trip to Russia
Russia rewards travelers who focus on a small number of cities and allow time to experience each destination fully. By planning at the city level, you’ll eat better, stay in more suitable neighborhoods, and navigate the country’s scale more effectively.
Use the city guides above to plan your trip based on how you want to travel, eat, and stay, rather than relying on broad, country-level overviews.