Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
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The Best of Moscow &
St. Petersburg
Russia breathes superlatives: the world's biggest country; its largest
supplier of natural gas and second-largest oil producer; home of the planet's longest
railroads, busiest subway system (Moscow's), and one of its deepest, biggest, and oldest
lakes (Baikal, in Siberia). It even boasts balmy beach resorts (on the Black Sea), though
the Kremlin and the snowcapped cupolas of its cathedrals seem truer reflections of this
northern nation's might and mysticism.
What the country lacks in climatic warmth, Russians make up for with their bottom-
less generosity and heartfelt hospitality. Survivors of despots from Ivan the Terrible to
Stalin, Russians place high value on keeping their home world safe from the perils of
without and stocking their larders with homemade jams, pickles, and desserts. The past
two decades have been rough on most Russians, but have sharpened their adaptation
skills. Today's Russian university graduates know more languages, more about financial
markets, and more about texting than many of their Western counterparts.
There is much for travelers to experience in Russia's two most popular cities. The
rigorous traditions of the Bolshoi Theater coexist with some of Europe's most cutting-
edge DJs. Hip restaurants fashion mouthwatering delicacies that put a twist on tradi-
tional Russian meat pies and cabbage soup. St. Petersburg's Hermitage Museum is a
fortress of fine art from around the world, and just down the street, the Russian Museum
overflows with underrated works by local artists from throughout the centuries. Explore
Russia's contributions to the exploration of the universe by taking a “ride” in a space
shuttle in Gorky Park or wandering Moscow's Cosmonautics Museum, a tribute to the
tireless scientists and engineers who sent the first man—and woman—into space.
Russia's tourism infrastructure, alas, is still catching up with the rest of the nation's
societal and economic changes, but Moscow and St. Petersburg are well on their way.
Take along some pluck and flexibility and have a look at the best Russia has to offer.
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MOST MEMORABLE RUSSIAN
EXPERIENCES
•
Viewing Red Square at Night
(Mos-
cow): The crimson-and-ivy-colored
domes of St. Basil's Cathedral rise in a
dizzying welcome to this most majestic
of Russian plazas. The red stars on the
Kremlin towers twinkle above one side
of the square, making the medieval
fortress seem festive instead of forbid-
ding. Lenin's Mausoleum in nighttime
shadow is appropriately eerie. Stand on
the rise in the center of the square and
feel a part of Russia's expanse.
•
Experiencing White Nights in St.
Petersburg:
Two weeks of festivities in
late June celebrate the longest day of the
year, when the northern sun never dips
below the horizon. The White Nights
are more than just a party; they're a
