How to use the ‘Discover Russia’ website
‘Discover Russia’ is an official Russian tourism website, offering verified and up-to-date information for international travelers visiting Russia.
The navigation is divided into several sections, each dedicated to a specific stage of your trip planning:
- ‘Places to Go’: Choose which city or region you can visit.
- ‘Things to Do’: Choose an activity like skiing or relaxing on the beach.
- ‘Plan Your Trip’: Learn how to get a visa, use transport, exchange currency, etc.
- ‘Deals & Offers’: Ready-made tour and excursion options.
Places to Go: Explore regions and cities
It’s impossible to see all of Russia in one trip – the distances are too vast and there are countless fascinating places. That’s why the portal offers two convenient formats: exploring individual cities (e.g., Moscow, Kazan, Kislovodsk), as well as ready-made itineraries covering multiple cities and regions at once. Below are a few examples:
- To Siberia – By Choice. In three days, you can see the historic center of Tyumen, the white-stone Tobolsk Kremlin (the only one in Siberia) and a former prison castle.
- From the Barents Sea to the White Sea. A comprehensive 6-day route through the Murmansk Region for Arctic enthusiasts.
- Lake Baikal in Summer. How to explore the world’s largest lake in 5 days.
There are also seasonal recommendations on the best time to visit each destination.
Things to Do: From culture to adventure
This section helps you decide what to do during your trip. You’ll find information on ‘UNESCO World Heritage’ sites, famous museums, outdoor activities, family-friendly options, as well as nightlife in major cities.
For a family trip, the portal suggests visiting the ‘Zolotoe Koltso’ (‘Golden Ring’) diorama museum in Yaroslavl and the ‘Ostrov Mechty’ (‘Dream Island’) amusement park in Moscow.
You can also find details about restaurants and hotels.
Plan Your Trip: Key practical information
This section provides official and useful information for travelers. Here’s some of the things you’ll find:
- Up-to-date details on tourist visas.
- How to pay in Russia, what banknotes look like, where to exchange currency.
- Emergency contact numbers, traffic regulations.
- Transport: airlines, railways, urban transport.
- Weather in Russia.
Deals & Offers: Tours & excursions
This section compiles contacts for Russian travel companies offering ready-made tours and excursions.
Virtual assistant ‘Masha AI’
The website also features a virtual consultant called ‘Masha AI’, which is located in the bottom corner of the screen.
Simply click the ‘matryoshka’ doll icon and start a conversation in English. Here are some example questions:
“I like hiking. Which region of Russia would you recommend?”;
“What documents do I need for a tourist visa?”;
“How to get from Moscow to Lake Baikal?”
‘Masha AI’ can be used both for inspiration and for clarifying details before your trip!