you will need a visa
You will need a visa to visit so plan in advance. Russia was my first country that required a visa to visit and what an experience it was. I had just decided to take my first block of time off to travel in a perfect gap between training and my new job. I was first heading to Greece but mid-way through my trip I was going to meet my friend who at the time lived in Brighton and head over to Russia. I needed my visa in my passport prior to leaving for Europe. Since at the time I was a novice I used a travel visa company. I thought I had filled out everything accurately and things should have been on course for me to get my passport back with visa in place 2 weeks before I left. Perfect, I thought! Well apparently, one Russian letter was incorrect. I had to expediate it and resubmit and pay for overnight delivery and finally got it literally one day before I left. So, of note you need a visa make sure to buffer in extra time. The Russian visa must be very accurate with all the details of your accommodation and when you are coming and leaving.
BE PREPARED FOR LANGUAGE BARRIERS
I wish now in retrospect that I had learned even just a little Russian to come off a little better, but I was young and everywhere else I had been prior English got me everywhere I needed to go. Not sure if the people we encountered couldn’t understand English, were indifferent, it was cultural or were simply too busy, but it was challenging to ask for help several times. My friend and I got lost a bunch and at times it was challenging to find anyone to assist us. Those that did help were incredibly wonderful and we truly appreciated it. You can also consider getting a translation app to help you navigate the city and your encounters with locals.
BE PREPARED to get lost
On note of getting lost, the English version of the maps are not the same as the Russian maps. This may be less of a thing the better cellphones are with google maps and offline maps but at the time we were there if you had no internet connection on your phone you were out of luck and it was very clear that the tourist maps we got didn’t exactly align with the streets. I think the numbering system is sort of off and between that and incomprehensible Russian as a foreigner you are bound to get lost. I found it actually easier to have the Russian map and just look at the letters even though I couldn’t understand than the poorly translated English maps. Let’s just say buffer in some time for getting a little lost from time to time.
carry your passport
Carry your passport with you. Apparently, police can stop you and ask for your documents at any time. This didn’t happen to us, but it is the law.
eating and drinking
Food and drink prices were oddly expensive. I remember being sort of shocked spending $20 USD for a cup of soup somewhere. We from then found ourselves at more hole in the wall places, fast food places, and hitting up the grocery stores for some more affordable food. Coffee shops you can spend around $10 for a cup of coffee at a café where you can snag some free wifi. But if you are savvy you can definitely find affordable eats. You cannot go to Russia without partaking in some Vodka drinking. It is typically served here with a salty snack and some water. There are so many different types and options to enjoy.
carry cash
Take cash and have in variety of small bills. It is useful to have as some places are cash only.
what to wear
It can get chilly even in summertime so be prepared with some layers just in case. I would recommend bringing a scarf and light jacket. Plus, don’t forget to pack an umbrella. You will also do a lot of walking so make sure you have comfortable shoes. If visiting in winter pack for the cold with thermals, layers, hat, gloves.
explore moscow metro
You must check out the metro stations. I still think of going back to Moscow simply to do a full metro tour. These immaculate and ornate metro stations are unworldly. Each one more beautiful than the next. Plus, you don’t have to sit in horrible traffic which is notoriously bad. Do yourself a favor and ride the metro and see for yourself.
do a free walking tour
I learned so much about the city and got to see a lot of the amazing off the beaten path sites of the city by doing a free walking tour. Of course, you can check out Red Square and St. Basil’s on your own but what about all those other areas- do it with a local- do a free walking tour. You won’t regret it. Make sure to bring some cash for a tip. My friend and I did the general one, but the group we went with also did free tours of the metro/subway, communist tour, Russian literature tour and more.
watch your feet
Russia was the only place (so far) that I have broken a bone. It was my little toe, and it was in the crossfire of speedy walking Russians and getting lost in the shuffle. That night we were heading to the Moscow train station to catch an overnight train from Moscow to St. Petersburg and I definitely was complaining a lot of the way there because every step was so painful. I even had my friend and I stop so I could take some ibuprofen even though we were in a rush to catch the train. I think she thought I was kidding until I took off my shoe on the train and it was swollen and completely bruised. I hobbled around the rest of my trip walking on the inner part of my foot and completely unable to wear closed toed shoes due to the pain. Good thing in Russia there is plenty of Vodka to ease the pain!
supermodels all around
Russian women are exceptionally beautiful, and you cannot go to one of these sites without seeing the most picturesque people with modeling like poses. My friend and I got such a kick out of it that we adapted some of these poses ourselves. When in Rome!
top things to do
You simply cannot visit Moscow without checking out some of its main attractions including St. Basil’s Cathedral, Moscow Kremlin, Tretyakov Gallery, Cathedral of Christ the Savior, Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts, GUM, Arbat, Sparrow Hills, and the Red Square.
go to russia
Russia holds such a special place in my heart. It was the first trip that was way out of my comfort zone but the incredible culture, beautiful sites and experiences want me wanting to plan a trip back soon. Trust me you will love it!
