"Once upon a time in Russia..." Top 5 Page for this destination Russia by darthmilmo

Russia Travel Guide: 18,410 reviews and 36,850 photos

What can I say about Russia? It's such a vast country that just looking on the map makes you wonder what lies within its borders. I'm not even sure what exactly attracted my attention and convinced to visit Russia. Perhaps it was the ever-lasting Taiga wilderness in Siberia; or the interesting history of European Russia. Regardless of these impulses, I came to Russia half expecting to see the remnants of one of the greatest powers of the 20th century. I imagined myself traveling through the closest equivalent of someone who traveled the Mediterranean region after the fall of the great Roman Empire. Boy was I pretty naive at that time. After a couple of weeks of traveling across the former heart of the Soviet Regime, European Russia, I realize that travel after the fall of communism is more in the tune of traveling in Mongolia after the fall of the barbaric Genghis Khan Empire (granted, it was his successors who actually invaded most of Asia and parts of Europe).

The Bagulenik flower, the flower of Siberia

As expected, I did see the decaying infrastructure of what used to be one of the world powers. I arrived among a sea of chaos into St. Petersburg in European Russia. It took me a while to get the feeling of this country, but soon I was on my way across this wonderful country. I spent a full month exploring European Russia. Afterwards, I headed into Siberia for two months. After traveling through both places, I believe that Russia's true beauty lies in the East, in Asia. They try to embrace the western roots and assimilate the East into their federation where instead they should embrace their Eastern side more so then the Western side. Eastern Russia contains Siberia and the Far East. The terrain on this region is so magical that you could spend a lifetime or two without seeing it all. Since life in this region is tough, people have grown more open by relying from each other instead of maintaining the isolation of the West. Furthermore, there is a vast variety of beautiful animal life you can encounter. I promises, visit Siberia and the Far East and you would leave Russia happy. This is what I loved about Russia. I did like the west with all it European roots, but not as much.

Beautiful scenery in the middle of Evenkia,Siberia

Regardless of where you decide to go, you’re bound to face some red tape bureaucracy hindering your travels. I know it may sound scary, but Russia is one of the most unique countries on earth. It may be all weird to us, but after a few weeks there it will surely grow on you. Looking over my pics, I just have to laugh at all the red tape, agony, and effort that I used up while traveling in Russia. The memories of that trip will last a life time. As for me, I will return to Russia someday to continue exploring Siberia and to venture into the Far East. For now, I am happy and content of what I’ve seen and done :).

I want to apologies if some of my tips sound pessimistic as it is clearly against my character. For now, I want to be both objective and subjective at the same time so that I can portray a better picture of what lies in Russia in 2003, which is over 10 years after the fall of the infamous U.S.S.R.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Full of wonderful scenery, architecture, culture, people, etc.
Cons:Red Tape and Bureaucracy may hinder your travels,
In a nutshell:One of the weirdest countries on Earth! Yet, it's definitly worth Exploring!

Last visit to Russia: Dec 2002
Intro Updated Mar 6, 2004
Add to Trip Planner (?)
Report Abuse

Reviews (89)

The Russian Rubble (1,000 Rubble notes) - Russia

Money Favorites (4)

The Russians currency is the Rubble. It is further divided into Kopeks. You need not worry about carrying large chunks... more travel advice

Soviet Architecture Favorites (4)

When I met up with my friends Matt and Mischka in Poland, they both warn me that from Eastern Europe all the way to... more travel advice

Painting by Byzantine painter Theophanes the Greek - Russia

Using electronic equipment and... Favorites (4)

Digital cameras are high on the list of many a traveler. I suggest you look into www.dpreview.com for camera reviews... more travel advice

Plenty of lovely sceneries like this await you - Russia

Visas for Tourists Favorites (4)

A tourist visa is good for only 30 days. A business visa is good for up to 12 months (note that a stay longer then 3... more travel advice

Sports & Outdoors (3)
See All Fishing
What to Pack (1)
Dictionary and Phrasebook (both)
Local Customs (12)
See All Typical Russian hand signs and gestures
Shopping (3)
See All You'll bound to shope at a Magazin
Transportation (10)
See All Hydrofoil in Lake Baikal
Warnings Or Dangers (14)
See All Departure day: Check-in and Passport...

Tourist Traps (1)
Inflated Tourist Prices
Off The Beaten Path (1)
TUNGUSKA: A Journey into Siberia's...
Nightlife (4)
See All Sunset at Lake Teletskoe
Hotels (5)
See All Largest Hotel in Europe
Restaurants (4)
See All Shchashchikla (meat on a stick)
Things to Do (27)
See All South Lake Baikal and Irkutsk

Travelogues (5)

1 - 4 of 5

Comments (21)

Neit Dec 13, 2009 at 12:04 PM Report Abuse

Amazing page about Russia!! And amazing you have stayed in... Tunguska!!
Inna_S Oct 18, 2009 at 8:26 PM Report Abuse

It's unfortunate that you base your opinion of Russians (stale, unwilling to work, etc.) by looking at the worst societal elements. What would one say about U.S. society if only the worst elements were considered? Your views are tainted.
Pablos_new Sep 9, 2008 at 2:35 AM Report Abuse

Very precise and brief view at a country. Good job! Though it is wrong to blame Soviet Era for all misfortunes - Russia is Russia and it was Russia always. Read more of XIX c. literature to detach Russian from Soviet. ;) Do you plan to visit it again?
bashboo Sep 5, 2008 at 2:33 PM Report Abuse

this tip is completely insensitive and politically contentious, if i had more space i would explain further...you are brainwashed too!
Saringuis May 29, 2007 at 2:47 PM Report Abuse

Great page, pics and tips! Helped me plan my upcoming trip to Russia! Thanks! :)
Prokonich Apr 17, 2006 at 6:21 AM Report Abuse

Wonderful tips! you know so much about Russian history! Not all Russian know and saw as much as you did :-)
kymbanm Mar 31, 2006 at 6:06 AM Report Abuse

I've been dreaming of Russia in recent weeks. thanks for sharing your journey there for me to live vicariously through your tips and pages :)
yeah_baby Mar 27, 2006 at 8:43 PM Report Abuse

wow lucky of you to have been here, always been my fantasy place to go to...thanks for sharing beautiful pics and tips
dlandt Dec 27, 2005 at 2:01 PM Report Abuse

Yes it is, but I tend ot think the Russian Federation will follow the USSR ater another shock coming from somewhere somehow somewhen. Sad but I kind of feel it coming.
call_me_rhia Nov 11, 2005 at 11:18 AM Report Abuse

amazing tips and great adventure.. i'm sooo envious... well done.