What are the Top 20 tourist destinations in Russia?

RussiaTraveller

Can you provide a comprehensive list of the top 20 tourist destinations in Russia, highlighting the most popular and significant places to visit, including cultural landmarks, natural wonders, historical sites, and modern attractions that showcase the diversity and beauty of the country?

SpainTraveller

Here are the Top 20 Tourist Destinations in Russia:

Moscow
- Capital city of Russia, home to the Kremlin, Red Square, Saint Basil's Cathedral, and the Bolshoi Theatre.
Saint Petersburg
- Known as the cultural capital of Russia, with attractions such as the Hermitage Museum, Peterhof Palace, and the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood.
Lake Baikal (Siberia)
- The world’s deepest and oldest freshwater lake, offering breathtaking views and adventure activities like hiking and ice trekking.
Kamchatka Peninsula
- Famous for its active volcanoes, geysers, and wild nature, a perfect destination for adventure tourism and heli-skiing.
Sochi
- A popular resort city on the Black Sea, known for hosting the 2014 Winter Olympics, with beautiful beaches and surrounding mountains.
Kazan
- The capital of Tatarstan, known for the Kazan Kremlin and its blend of Russian and Tatar cultures.
Suzdal
- A picturesque town part of the Golden Ring, famous for its ancient churches, monasteries, and historical architecture.
Yekaterinburg
- Located in the Ural Mountains, rich in history, including being the site of the Romanov family’s execution.
Vladimir
- Another city in the Golden Ring, known for its medieval architecture and UNESCO-listed heritage sites.
Nizhny Novgorod
- Situated along the Volga River, known for its large Kremlin and panoramic views from the Chkalov Staircase.
Kaliningrad
- A Russian exclave on the Baltic Sea, offering a mix of German heritage, amber museums, and seaside resorts.
Altai Mountains
- An untouched nature paradise perfect for hiking, eco-tourism, and exploring clear rivers and pristine landscapes.
Mount Elbrus
- The highest peak in Europe, attracting mountaineers and winter sports enthusiasts.
Veliky Novgorod
- One of Russia’s oldest cities, with a rich history, medieval churches, and the UNESCO-listed Novgorod Kremlin.
Peterhof
- Often referred to as the “Russian Versailles,” this palace is known for its stunning fountains and grand architecture near Saint Petersburg.
Murmansk
- Located above the Arctic Circle, it is one of the best places to witness the Northern Lights, along with Arctic tours and icebreaker adventures.
Solovetsky Islands
- A remote and spiritual destination, known for its historic monasteries and WWII prison camp ruins.
Vladivostok
- A major port city on Russia's Pacific coast, featuring scenic views, bridges, and as a key terminal of the Trans-Siberian Railway.
Derbent
- One of Russia’s oldest cities, with a rich Persian and Islamic heritage, known for its ancient fortress and historical significance.
Volgograd (formerly Stalingrad)
- A major WWII battleground, home to historical monuments like “The Motherland Calls” statue and museums dedicated to the battle.