Destination Overview
Moscow and St. Petersburg: Russia’s Twin Cities
As the world’s largest country, Russia boasts two must-visit destinations for travelers: its capital, Moscow, and its second-largest city, St. Petersburg. Together, these cities offer a perfect blend of history and art, modernity and tradition.
The best time to visit is from May to September, when summer brings pleasant weather ideal for outdoor exploration. Winter, with its Christmas lights and ice festivals, is equally enchanting—though temperatures can plummet, so be sure to pack warmly.
A recommended itinerary spans four days, allowing you to shuttle between the two cities and fully immerse yourself in Moscow’s rich cultural heritage while savoring St. Petersburg’s artistic soul.
Budget Guide
- Economy: Around RMB 800 per day, covering basic accommodation, public transport, and simple meals.
- Comfort: Approximately RMB 1,200–1,500 daily, for hotel stays and visits to local specialty restaurants.
- Luxury: Over RMB 1,500 per day, enjoying top-tier hotels, private guides, and fine-dining experiences.
Pre-Travel Checklist
- Visa: Chinese citizens must apply in advance at Russian embassies or consulates in China; processing typically takes 3–5 business days.
- SIM Card: Available at airports or convenience stores, with options like MTS or MegaFon offering prepaid plans.
- Essential Apps: Google Maps, Yandex Taxi, Wolt (food delivery), and Tinkoff Bank (for payments).
Daily Itineraries
Day 1: Moscow Cultural Journey
Morning: Red Square & St. Basil’s Cathedral
Address: Red Square (Krasnaya Ploshchad), central Moscow
Admission: St. Basil’s Cathedral costs about RUB 200 (approx. RMB 20) for adults
Duration: 1.5 hours
Highlights: As the heart of Moscow, Red Square is surrounded by iconic landmarks such as the Kremlin, Lenin’s Mausoleum, and the colorful onion-domed St. Basil’s Cathedral—perfect for snapping memorable photos.
Lunch: Bliny-Bliny (Pancake Restaurant)
Recommended Dishes: Russian pancakes (blini), caviar with bread
Average Cost: About RMB 150
Location: Near Red Square, close to the Tretyakov Gallery
Specialty: A cozy spot for classic Russian breakfasts and lunches.
Afternoon: The Kremlin & Tsar Cannon & Bell
Getting There: On foot or by metro (take Line 1 to “Krasnye Vorota” station)
Tips: Book tickets online in advance to skip long lines; access to the Tsar Cannon and Tsar Bell requires an additional fee.
Highlights: The Kremlin, a symbol of Russia, houses multiple museums and palaces showcasing the nation’s imperial history.
Evening: Nighttime at the Tretyakov Gallery
Suggested Activity: Stroll outside the gallery at dusk to admire its illuminated architecture and soak up Moscow’s artistic vibe.
Insider Tip
- Arrive early to avoid peak crowds.
- Souvenir shops around Red Square tend to be pricey; consider purchasing mementos elsewhere.
Day 2: Deep Dive into Moscow’s Iconic Sights
Morning: Moscow Metro Stations & Dmitrievsky Monastery
Locations: Major Moscow metro stations; Dmitrievsky Monastery
Admission: Free entry; many stations feature stunning artistic decor worth exploring.
Duration: 1 hour
Highlights: Known as the “Underground Palace,” Moscow’s metro boasts exquisitely decorated stations that are true works of art.
Lunch: Pirozhki (Pastry Restaurant)
Recommended Dishes: Meat-filled pastries, vegetable pies, Russian soup
Average Cost: Approximately RMB 100
Location: Near Pushkinskaya metro station
Specialty: Affordable, authentic Russian snacks.
Afternoon: Borovitsky Market & Moscow State University
Getting There: By metro (Line 1 to “Borovitskaya” station)
Tips: The market offers a wide range of goods; be sure to verify authenticity.
Highlights: One of Moscow’s oldest markets, perfect for picking up traditional crafts and food; Moscow State University’s main building is a city landmark.
Evening: Night Cruise on the Moskva River
Suggested Activity: Take a boat tour along the river to enjoy the glittering lights lining its banks.
Insider Tip
- The Moscow metro is incredibly convenient; purchase single-ride tickets or use a transport card.
- Bargain when shopping at the market, especially for handmade items.
Day 3: St. Petersburg’s Historical and Cultural Odyssey
Morning: Hermitage Museum & Peter and Paul Fortress
Addresses: Hermitage Museum; Peter and Paul Fortress
Admission: Hermitage ticket costs about RUB 600 (approx. RMB 60); Peter and Paul Fortress is free
Duration: 3 hours
Highlights: The Hermitage ranks among the world’s four greatest museums, housing an unparalleled collection of European art; Peter and Paul Fortress marks the birthplace of St. Petersburg and features a cathedral and historic prison.
Lunch: Nevskiy Prospekt Restaurant
Recommended Dishes: Braised beef, rye bread, vodka
Average Cost: Around RMB 180
Location: Close to Nevsky Prospekt
Specialty: Conveniently situated for dining while taking in the street scene.
Afternoon: St. Isaac’s Cathedral & Summer Garden
Getting There: By metro (Line 4 to “Gorkovsky” station)
Tips: Photography is prohibited inside the cathedral; please observe proper etiquette.
Highlights: St. Isaac’s Cathedral is one of Russia’s largest churches, with a majestic exterior; the Summer Garden offers a serene urban oasis.
Evening: Evening at the Summer Garden
Suggested Activity: Capture the garden’s illuminated beauty after dark.
Insider Tip
- The Hermitage draws large crowds; book tickets in advance.
- St. Petersburg’s weather can be unpredictable, so carry rain gear.
Day 4: St. Petersburg’s Natural Retreat and Leisure
Morning: Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood & Three Saints’ Church
Address: Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood
Admission: Approximately RUB 150 (about RMB 15)
Duration: 1 hour
Highlights: Renowned for its intricate mosaic decorations, this iconic church is a must-see in St. Petersburg.
Lunch: Voskresensky Restaurant
Recommended Dishes: Roasted meat, Russian cakes, tea
Average Cost: Around RMB 120
Location: In the Old Town, near the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood
Specialty: An elegant setting for an authentic Russian meal.
Afternoon: Neva River Boat Tour & Olgin Island
Getting There: Take a boat to Olgin Island, about 30 minutes
Tips: Reserve tickets in advance to avoid waiting.
Highlights: The Neva River is St. Petersburg’s lifeline; a cruise offers stunning views of its banks. Olgin Island is a popular leisure destination.
Evening: Return to Moscow
Suggested Activity: Depending on your flight schedule, relax at the airport or head back to the city center.
Insider Tip
- Restaurants on Olgin Island are often chain brands and relatively expensive; plan your meals ahead.
- The high-speed train from St. Petersburg to Moscow takes about 7 hours; if time is tight, opt for a flight.
Accommodation Recommendations
Budget Options
- Hostel Moscow City: Centrally located, with dorm beds starting at RMB 80 per night—ideal for backpackers.
- Hostel Yaroslavle: Close to a metro station, offering great value at around RMB 100 per night.
Mid-Range Choices
- Ibis Styles Moscow Krasnoselskaya: Modern design in southern Moscow, priced at approximately RMB 300 per night.
- Hotel Ibis Budget Moscow Tverskaya: Conveniently situated near the city center, with rates around RMB 250 per night.
Luxury Stays
- Ritz-Carlton Moscow: A flagship property in the heart of Moscow, with lavish amenities, costing about RMB 1,500 per night.
- Grand Hotel Europe: A historic five-star hotel, averaging RMB 1,200 per night.
Recommended Neighborhoods and Reasons
- Moscow: Stay in the Red Square area or the Novodevichy district for easy access to major attractions.
- St. Petersburg: Opt for accommodations along Nevsky Prospekt or in the Old Town to experience local life firsthand.
Booking Platforms and Tips
- Use Booking.com or Agoda for frequent discounts.
- Book two weeks in advance to secure better rates.
Transportation Guide
Getting There
- By Air: Major Chinese cities, including Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, offer direct flights to Moscow and St. Petersburg.
- By Train: High-speed Sapsan trains connect Moscow and St. Petersburg in about 4 hours, with tickets around RMB 2,000.
- By Bus: Less common, but a budget-friendly option for those traveling longer distances.
Getting Around
- Metro: Both Moscow and St. Petersburg have extensive, efficient metro systems; fares range from RUB 30–50 (about RMB 3–5).
- Bus: Suitable for short trips but less convenient than the metro.
- Taxi: Use Yandex.Taxi for transparent pricing and app-based booking.
- Car Rental: Not recommended due to complex traffic and limited parking.
Transport Cards
- Moscow: Purchase the Troika card, which works on the metro, buses, and taxis.
- St. Petersburg: Use the Metropoliten card, valid for the metro and buses.
Practical Tips and FAQs
Currency and Payment
- Currency: Russian Ruble (RUB)
- Payment: Credit cards (Visa/MasterCard) are widely accepted, but keep some cash handy.
- Tipping: A 10% tip is customary in restaurants and service industries, though not obligatory.
Safety Reminders
- Public Spaces: Stay alert and avoid walking alone at night.
- Documents: Keep copies of your passport and important papers securely stored.
Emergency Contacts
- Police: 102
- Ambulance: 103
- Fire Department: 101
- Tourist Assistance: 112 (nationwide)
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Do I need to apply for a visa in advance?
A: Yes, Chinese citizens must apply for a Russian visa at least three weeks before travel.
Q2: How do I get between St. Petersburg and Moscow?
A: The fastest option is the Sapsan high-speed train, taking about 4 hours. Flights and long-distance buses are also available.
Q3: What if I don’t speak Russian?
A: Most attractions and restaurants provide English signage, and translation apps like Google Translate can help bridge the language gap.
Q4: How do prices in Russia compare to other destinations?
A: Generally moderate to high; dining and lodging are reasonably priced, though some attraction tickets can be pricey.
Q5: Can I use Alipay or WeChat Pay in Russia?
A: Not yet. Credit cards or cash are the preferred payment methods.