Things not to miss

#01 RED SQUARE, MOSCOW

Lenin's final resting place and the heart of Mother Russia.

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#02 THE BOLSHOY, MOSCOW

The world's greatest ballet, renowned for drama on and off the stage.

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#03 THE HERMITAGE, ST PETERSBURG

View thousands of priceless treasures at Russia’s premier Museum.

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#04 IZMAYLOVO MARKET, MOSCOW

The best place to pick up authentic Soviet souvenirs.

© Chubykin Arkady/Shutterstock

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#05 WHITE NIGHTS, ST PETERSBURG

The sun barely sets during midsummer in St Petersburg and half the city stays up partying.

#06 KUNSTKAMMER, ST PETERSBURG

Don’t miss Peter the Great’s eighteenth-century collection of curiosities.

© Anatoly Tiplyashin/Shutterstock

#07 MOSCOW NIGHTLIFE

From exclusive supermodel clubs to grungy dive bars the Russian capital is far from dull after dark.

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#08 GUM, MOSCOW

Pronounced 'Goom', this elegant Victorian-era arcade on Red Square is perfect for window shopping.

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VLADJ55/Shutterstock

#09 THE KREMLIN

Synonymous with the Cold War this fortified complex also houses reminders of imperial excess.

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#10 PETER AND PAUL FORTRESS, ST PETERSBURG

Caper along the battlements in period costume and take a dip in the Neva River.

© Drozdin Vladimir/Shutterstock

#11 MOSCOW METRO

Marble, chandeliers and rushing commuters: welcome to the world's most ornate underground.

© Stoyanov Alexey/Shutterstock

Travel advice for Russia

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