Russia continues to attract travellers with its architectural heritage, cultural depth, and vast natural landscapes. For visitors planning a trip in 2026, the country offers a combination of historic landmarks, cultural centres, and seasonal festivals across diverse regions.
In 2024, 9.7 million international tourists visited Russia, indicating a steady level of foreign visitor arrivals. Border statistics show that around 1.57 million visitors travelled mainly for leisure, while others entered for business or official purposes. For travellers planning a visit in 2026, this confirms that international tourism remains active and accessible.
This guide highlights Russia’s essential destinations and experiences for 2026, organised by region and theme, and concludes with key entry requirements for international travellers.
Explore Russia’s historic centres of power, art, and architecture, home to some of the world’s most iconic landmarks.
Russia’s capital and cultural powerhouse, known for its palaces, politics, and unparalleled energy.
Why Visit: Home to the Kremlin, Red Square, and Saint Basil’s Cathedral, Moscow blends Tsarist heritage with modern authority.
Location: Western Russia
MosFestFilm International Film Festival (22-27 Sept 2026)
Former capital of the Romanov dynasty, renowned for its museums, baroque architecture, and summer cultural festivals.
Why Visit: Highlights include the Hermitage Museum, Peterhof Palace, Nevsky Prospekt, and St Isaac’s Cathedral, especially atmospheric during the White Nights season.
Location: Northwestern Russia
Uncover Russia’s religious roots, diverse identities, and cross-cultural landscapes across ancient and modern cities.
A Volga River city recognised for religious coexistence and strong Tatar identity.
Why Visit: The UNESCO-listed Kazan Kremlin, Kul Sharif Mosque, and Orthodox cathedrals reflect centuries of cultural harmony.
Location: Republic of Tatarstan
2026 Highlight: Kazan serves as the Cultural Capital of the Islamic World, hosting exhibitions and cultural forums throughout the year.
Fairytale towns of medieval Russia, where onion domes, white stone churches, and wooden houses preserve ancient traditions.
Why Visit: Key sights include the Suzdal Kremlin, Assumption Cathedral in Vladimir, and historic monasteries along the Volga River.
Location: Central Russia
Travel through Russia’s pristine landscapes: forests, mountains, lakes, and handcrafted wooden heritage.
The oldest, deepest, and clearest lake on Earth, surrounded by taiga and timeless legends.
Why Visit: A UNESCO World Heritage Site sacred to the Buryat people, Baikal is known for its clarity, ice formations, and scenic shorelines.
Location: Irkutsk & Republic of Buryatia
Snow-dusted peaks, turquoise rivers, and nomadic traditions meet in this wild and remote region.
Why Visit: Ideal for trekking, nature retreats, and exploring unspoiled mountain scenery.
Location: Southern Siberia
A peaceful northern realm of lakes, forests, and masterfully carved wooden chapels.
Why Visit: Home to Kizhi Pogost (UNESCO), Karelia offers pristine lakes, forest trails, kayaking routes, and outstanding wooden architecture, with highlights including Lake Ladoga, Ruskeala Mountain Park, and quiet island villages.
Location: Northwestern Russia
A rare natural phenomenon illuminating Russia’s Arctic skies with shifting waves of green and violet light.
Why Visit: Northern Russia offers some of the world’s most reliable and uncrowded aurora-viewing locations, particularly around Murmansk Oblast and the Kola Peninsula.
Location: Arctic regions of Northern Russia
Russia’s resort towns and western gateways offer both natural beauty and cultural celebration.
Where subtropical beaches meet ski slopes, Russia’s favourite year-round resort.
Why Visit: The 2014 Olympic city blends coastal relaxation, hiking, spa retreats, and alpine skiing.
Location: Krasnodar Krai, Southern Russia
Event Highlight: Sochi International Forum for Tourism (17-18 November 2026). Ideal for travel professionals and cultural enthusiasts.
An exclave steeped in Baltic and Prussian heritage, now a vibrant port with museums and dunes.
Why Visit: Kaliningrad blends Gothic architecture, Baltic beaches, and renowned amber museums with German-Russian heritage, featuring highlights such as Königsberg Cathedral, Curonian Spit, and a distinctive European-influenced cityscape unlike anywhere else in Russia.
Location: Kaliningrad Oblast
2026 Cultural Events:
IV Festival “Music of the Wind” : 20 February 2026
Koroche Russian Film Festival: 18 August 2026
Great Kaup Festival: 8 August 2026
For travellers seeking remoteness, volcanoes, wildlife, and the world’s longest train journey await.
A world of volcanoes, hot springs, and rugged landscapes found nowhere else on Earth.
Why Visit: Remote and otherworldly, Kamchatka draws volcano lovers, bear watchers, and adventure seekers to places such as Klyuchevskaya Sopka, the Valley of Geysers, Avacha Bay, and protected wilderness reserves.
Location: Russian Far East
A naval port city rising over bays and hills, blending Russia with an Asian atmosphere.
Why Visit: Vladivostok is also the eastern terminus of the legendary Trans-Siberian Railway, allowing travellers to experience the world’s longest rail journey either as a continuous multi-day route or through carefully paced regional segments across Russia.
Location: Russian Far East
Start your 2026 adventure with a smooth and online visa application. Before you travel, check your eligibility for the simplified Russia eVisa, available for citizens of over 50 countries. Apply online in minutes.
Content Diclaimer: Please verify current travel rules and festival updates via official websites or local tourist offices before finalising plans.
Step1: Complete the online application by providing your passport details.
Step2: Submit payment online using a credit card.
Step3: Monitor your email for confirmation of payment and receipt of your eVisa, which will be sent electronically.
