First time in Russia - Moscow or St Petersburg?

[KurtLA]

Hello,

I am thinking of coming to Russia for the first time and would like to know should my first visit be to Moscow or St Petersburg? I would like to come between March and June but would like the weather to be not too cold, when is a good time to come?

[hobbitofny]

What is to cold weather for you? May average tempature in Moscow is high 60 and low 42.

The choice of which city to visit is hard to recommend. I started with Moscow because I most wanted to see sites found in Moscow. I wanted to visit places written about in Michail Bulgakov's Master and Margarita. I also wanted to visit Tretyakov Gallery to see the Icon and 19th century Russian landscape painting collections. I also wanted to see the Crown Jewels of Imperial Russia.

I would recommend you look at the Travel All Russia tours of each city. Look up the places they list as places seen on the tour. See what places seem more interesting to you. You can always see highlights of both cities in one tour.

Both are large cities and spending a week in each only hit part of the highlights of what they have to offer.

[natalia]

Originally Posted by hobbitofny

What is to cold weather for you? May average tempature in Moscow is high 60 and low 42.

The choice of which city to visit is hard to recommend. I started with Moscow because I most wanted to see sites found in Moscow. I wanted to visit places written about in Michail Bulgakov's Master and Margarita. I also wanted to visit Tretyakov Gallery to see the Icon and 19th century Russian landscape painting collections. I also wanted to see the Crown Jewels of Imperial Russia.

I would recommend you look at the Travel All Russia tours of each city. Look up the places they list as places seen on the tour. See what places seem more interesting to you. You can always see highlights of both cities in one tour.

Both are large cities and spending a week in each only hit part of the highlights of what they have to offer.

Dear hobbitofny (this is an interesting name by the way),

As "Peterbujenka" (a native of St Petersburg) I can tell you all about St Petersburg. As for Moscow, I have to rely on help of my colleagues and try to hear what people who have spent some quality time in Moscow have to say about it. On this note, how was Tretyakovka? Did you enjoy it? What is it like? What exhibitions are worth seeing?

And by the way, I am also a big admirer of Bulgakov. I assume you read it in English. I wonder how the translation is. Must be good, if it motives you to see more and more of Moscow.

[Russia bound]

Our first trip to Russia was a one week tour with both cities and an overnight train between. It suited us well for time and cost. The cities are very different. Moscow metropolitan and more modern. St. Petersburg historic and charming. I can't choose because I like them both for different reasons. Our second visit was to both with a river cruise between. We spent time on our own in both cities on our second trip. I hope to return to Russia within the year and will visit both cities again. Weather? I'd go in June - both our trips were in the fall - late September early October and the weather was exquisite.

[jz005]

I've been on Moscow - St. Petersburg tour in summer and, as far as weather, would definitely recommend going there at this time of the year. I honestly enjoyed St. Peterburg much more. Recent developemnt in Moscow kind of hollowed out the spirit of the city, although Kremlin, Red Square and Mausoleum are definitely must-see sites.
But St. Petersburg is really cool! I enjoyed Mariinky ballet and a 2-hour cruise on Neva with a Russian folk performance and unlimited vodka! Just wonder if Travel All Russia can offer similar activities...
In my turn, I'd be happy to share my travel experience further if anybody here

[KurtLA]

Thanks for your answers guys. How many days is enough to see Moscow and St Petersburg? I want to see all the "touristy" places obviously and perhaps a little bit more, like something from contemporary Russia. I know it is malls, movie theaters and McDonald's, but i am sure it has a very distinct local flavor

[Sasha]

Originally Posted by KurtLA

Thanks for your answers guys. How many days is enough to see Moscow and St Petersburg? I want to see all the "touristy" places obviously and perhaps a little bit more, like something from contemporary Russia. I know it is malls, movie theaters and McDonald's, but i am sure it has a very distinct local flavor

3 days in Moscow should be enough to see the main sights or 4 if you'd like some time to just wander around. You should spend a minimum of 4 days in St. Petersburg and even that is not enough to experience all the city has to offer so if you have the extra time, you should definitely use it there.

[Sasha]

Originally Posted by jz005

But St. Petersburg is really cool! I enjoyed Mariinky ballet and a 2-hour cruise on Neva with a Russian folk performance and unlimited vodka! Just wonder if Travel All Russia can offer similar activities...
In my turn, I'd be happy to share my travel experience further if anybody here

How wonderful that you speak so highly of this city, it is amazing. And yes, Travel All Russia does offer such activities and many others.

[jz005]

Originally Posted by Sasha

How wonderful that you speak so highly of this city, it is amazing. And yes, Travel All Russia does offer such activities and many others.

Thank you, Sasha! Great that your company can do it. I also heard about Folk Shows at Nikolaevsky Palace. Do you by any chance know what it includes? Is it very costly?
I consider doing that next time I'm in Piter

[Sasha]

Originally Posted by jz005

I also heard about Folk Shows at Nikolaevsky Palace. Do you by any chance know what it includes? Is it very costly?
I consider doing that next time I'm in Piter

It's not costly at all. With us, it is just $50 per person. And it includes a cocktail in the interval

[Sasha]

JZ, I'm curious how many times you have been in Russia, and when. If you don't mind my asking.

[Scott Scovill]

Hello all,

I am making my first trip mid August on the heels of a business trip to Copenhagen. I am trying to decide between St Pete Moscow and Sochi. My favorite thing about seeing places is meeting the people. All of my favorite places are ones where the people are friendly and open to spending time with tourists. I will see some sights during the day, but I'd be just as content sitting at a cafe or pub with someone local getting to know them. To me the people are the best part about anywhere you go.

This being the case, do any of you have any recommendations for me? From what I read I'm leaning towards St Pete... maybe Sochi.

I was thinking three days in Russia, and maybe three days in Prague, I haven't been there since I was 21 and I'm 40 now.

Thanks! Scott

[sshirokov]

Scott,

I think what you will find in Sochi is tonnes of Russian tourists and what you will find in St. Petersburg is tonnes of tourists from everywhere in the world. I think the latter will be more friendly and you will have a great time strolling from one cafe to another, meeting interesting and friendly people from every corner of the world and discussing latest news or Russia's fascinating history that you will come in touch with on every corner. Prague is great, but it is 1/10th of what St. Petersburg is in my opinion. Let me know what you decide!

Slava

Originally Posted by Scott Scovill

Hello all,

I am making my first trip mid August on the heels of a business trip to Copenhagen. I am trying to decide between St Pete Moscow and Sochi. My favorite thing about seeing places is meeting the people. All of my favorite places are ones where the people are friendly and open to spending time with tourists. I will see some sights during the day, but I'd be just as content sitting at a cafe or pub with someone local getting to know them. To me the people are the best part about anywhere you go.

This being the case, do any of you have any recommendations for me? From what I read I'm leaning towards St Pete... maybe Sochi.

I was thinking three days in Russia, and maybe three days in Prague, I haven't been there since I was 21 and I'm 40 now.

Thanks! Scott

[flintoff]

The best time to come is May, June, September, December to March. People are still (or already) in the cities, many things are happening, everybody is happy (May, June - the summer is starting; September - all the locals come back in the big cities from the vacations and they are happy and nice). At this time many things are happening at the clubs: famous Russian and foreign musicians and djs are invited, theater season is opened, there are many outdoor festivals and activities.

[domveito73]

I have seen renders of the Moscow International Business Centre, it is a very impressive project.
My favorite building is the Russia Tower, I really hope construction begins soon.
My favorite building under construction is the Federation Tower, very impressive.

[inwanny09]

I have a Bored meeting in Paris in May and I plan to spend an extra couple of days there then on to St. Petersburg and then Moscow.
Recommendations are always welcome :-
Looking especially for side-trips around St. Petersburg and Moscow. I have to get my visa set up just right, so please give me some ideas.

-bob

[tripclik]

What places in Russia I must see?

[sshirokov]

I would recommend Moscow, St. Petersburg and Irkutsk.