Exploring Moscow and St. Petersburg
Pack your bags, because we’re about to explore two of Russia’s crown jewels: Moscow and St. Petersburg. This guide will take you through the must-visit spots, crafting an itinerary full of memories for anyone hopping over from Austria.
Overview of the Two Cities
First up, Moscow – the buzzing heart of Russia. This city wears its history with pride but also packs a modern punch. With its jaw-dropping architecture and a role as the country’s political powerhouse, Moscow is a playground for those who love a good history lesson mixed with a splash of culture. Museums, parks, theatres – you name it, Moscow’s got it.
Switch gears to St. Petersburg. This place isn’t just a city; it’s a masterpiece painted with the spirit of Tsar Peter the Great. Known as Russia’s cultural capital, it’s where art and history meet in a dance that’s hard to resist. With its breathtaking canals and baroque palaces, St. Petersburg is every bit the dreamy counterpart to its city-sibling, Moscow.
Must-See Landmarks
Your trip won’t be complete without ticking off these landmarks, essential for soaking in the cities’ essence.
Moscow
- The Kremlin: Step into the nerve centre of Russian power. Packed with dazzling architecture and rich history, this complex is a must-see for all travellers.
- Red Square: Right next to the Kremlin, this iconic space features everything from the colourful, onion-domed St. Basil’s Cathedral to Lenin’s resting place.
- Bolshoi Theatre: A treat for music and dance lovers, this historic theatre sets the stage for world-class ballet and opera.
- Gorky Park: For some chill time, hit this leafy sanctuary for walks and fun outdoor stuff.
| Landmark | Highlights | Location |
|---|---|---|
| The Kremlin | Politics, stunning buildings, artefacts | Moscow |
| Red Square | St. Basil’s Cathedral, Lenin’s Mausoleum | Moscow |
| Bolshoi Theatre | Gorgeous performances | Moscow |
| Gorky Park | Relaxation, outdoor activities | Moscow |
Want more Moscow marvels? Check out our special deals for Austrians visiting Russia here.
St. Petersburg
- Peter and Paul Fortress: The birthplace of the city, stuffed with museums and serving as the resting place of Russian tsars.
- Peterhof Palace: Known as the “Russian Versailles”, with its opulent buildings and jaw-dropping gardens that’ll make anyone feel like royalty.
- The Hermitage Museum: A treasure chest of art and history, with one of the world’s most expansive collections.
- Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood: Feast your eyes on this architectural wonder with its stunning mosaics and vibrant domes.
| Landmark | Highlights | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Peter and Paul Fortress | Historical depth, museum treasures | St. Petersburg |
| Peterhof Palace | Palatial splendour, gardens | St. Petersburg |
| The Hermitage Museum | Art, culture, history | St. Petersburg |
| Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood | Artistic and architectural beauty | St. Petersburg |
For a deeper dive into St. Petersburg’s sights, check out more on our customised tours for Austrians.
Moscow and St. Petersburg will leave you wide-eyed and hungry for more. From the splendour of the Kremlin to the grandeur of Peterhof, these cities promise a whirlwind of exploration. Historical outings or art adventures – they’ve got it all. Make sure to explore our tour packages to squeeze every drop of excitement out of your Austrian travels to Russia.
Tour Packages Comparison
If you’re trying to find the top tour packages to check out Moscow and St. Petersburg from Austria, picking the right option can make all the difference. Here, we’re breaking down packages from Express to Russia and Expedia for you.
Express to Russia Packages
Express to Russia dishes out various tour packages catering to all pockets and tastes. You can find private tours, group tours, and luxury cruises, all promising to give you a good dose of Russian history, art, culture, and the locals (Express to Russia).
Popular Express to Russia Packages:
| Package Type | What You Get | Duration | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private Tours | Tailored plans, your own guide | 7-10 days | €2,000 – €5,000 |
| Group Tours | Trips to Moscow, Novgorod, and St. Petersburg, max 30 people | 8-14 days | €1,500 – €3,000 |
| Luxury Cruises | River cruises from Moscow to St. Petersburg, all-included | 11-13 days | €4,000 – €7,000 |
A standout feature? Their group tours keep it cozy with only 30 participants max. Go for the quieter seasons (late autumn, winter, early spring) for an even snugger experience (Express to Russia).
For a thorough peek at your options, have a look at our page on city travel deals crafted for Austrians heading to Russia.
Expedia Vacation Packages
Expedia is the go-to for adaptable vacation packages that pair up your hotel stays and flights, letting you shape your holiday to match your vibe (Expedia).
Popular Features of Expedia Packages:
| Feature | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Custom Packages | Pick your flight, hotel, and activities |
| Flexibility | Book now, pay later, with refundable rates |
| Wallet-Friendly | Deals for any budget |
| Extras | Car rentals and local tours available |
Expedia’s products are all about ease and affordability, giving you freedom to sort your journey any way you like. Their “Book now Pay later” option means flexibility isn’t an issue and many hotels have fully refundable rates (Expedia).
If you’re after a simple, smooth booking process, check out city tours tailored for Auschstrians visiting Russia.
Summary Comparison Table
| Feature | Express to Russia | Expedia |
|---|---|---|
| Customisability | High, especially with private tours | High, through custom packages |
| Budget Range | Mid to high | Budget-friendly to high |
| Group Sizes | Compact (max 30) | Varies |
| Distinct Perks | Luxury cruises, deep cultural insights | Flexible booking, extra travel services |
Both options have their unique draws. Express to Russia offers more focused cultural dives, while Expedia puts flexibility and cost-efficiency in the limelight. Pick the one that matches up with your travel style and goals.
For more info on tour offers, take a tour of our section covering Russia’s major cities with packages tailored for Austrians.
Ideal Time to Visit
Planning a trip from Austria to the bustling cities of Moscow and St. Petersburg can be a rollercoaster of excitement if you time it right. The season and local festivities can totally transform your travel adventure.
Seasonal Considerations
No matter the time of year, Moscow and St. Petersburg have got their own special charms. So, don’t sweat it if your vacation falls in one season or the other.
| Season | Temperature Range (°C) | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winter (Dec-Feb) | -10 to 0 | Less crowd, cheaper stays, snow activities | Chilly climes, fewer outdoor gigs |
| Spring (Mar-May) | 0 to 15 | Parks in bloom, comfy weather | Unpredictable skies, melting mush |
| Summer (Jun-Aug) | 15 to 25 | Sun’s out, festival frenzy, White Nights | Crowds, pocket-pinching hotels |
| Autumn (Sep-Nov) | 5 to 15 | Gorgeous autumn leaves, less hubbub | Crisp air, early sundown |
Winter’s the time to hit up museums without bumping elbows or breaking the bank on a bed. But come summer, the cities buzz with life, and those long White Nights in St. Petersburg are a must-see (Express to Russia). They’re the time when the sun barely sets, running from late May through early July, though it’s a popular time, so expect company (Express to Russia).
Festivals and Events
Aligning your trip with local festivals can give you a genuine taste of Russian culture. Here’s what you shouldn’t miss:
- White Nights Festival: St. Petersburg lights up from late May to early July with concerts, ballet, and awesome cultural shows. It’s a sunlit celebration you wouldn’t want to skip.
- Moscow City Day: First or second September weekend, where the city goes all out with fireworks, live music, and lively parades.
- Victory Day: On May 9, both cities salute the end of World War II with grand parades and dazzling fireworks.
- Pancake Week (Maslenitsa): Late February or early March welcomes spring with a bang, featuring yummy pancakes, music, and performances aplenty.
Timing it with these events can sprinkle some extra magic on your trip, giving you stories to tell when you’re back home. For trips that weave in these seasons and events, check out our best city packages for Austrian tourists in Moscow and St. Petersburg.
For more on what to catch each season and full-on tour options, pop over to explore Russia’s top cities with tailored packages for Austrians and city-specific travel deals for Austrians visiting Russia.
Practical Travel Tips
Accommodation and Logistics
Setting off on your adventure from Austria to visit the amazing Moscow and St. Petersburg? Here’s some friendly advice to sort your stay and travel details.
Where to Stay:
- Hotels: These are your classic choice and come in all shapes and sizes, from the lap of luxury to super thrifty. In the main tourist spots, you’ll often find they have extras like safes to keep your travel treasures protected.
- Airbnb: If you’re keen on experiencing the local flavour, Airbnb offers places right in the heart of the cities—perfect for making sightseeing a breeze.
- Hostels: Travelling solo or counting your pennies? Hostels are not only easy on the wallet but they’re also fab for meeting fellow wanderers.
Getting Around:
- Flights: Flying straight from Austria to Russia is a breeze, with direct flights dropping you into either Moscow or the grand St. Petersburg.
- Trains: Russia boasts an epic train system! The zippy Sapsan train will whisk you between Moscow and St. Pete’s in about 4 hours, and talk about a view!
- Public Transport: Both cities have cracking public transport. Think metros with stations that look like palaces, plus loads of buses and trams to hop on.
Trip Details:
- Visa Needs: Don’t forget your travel papers, including the all-important visa. Folks from Austria need to sort this out before jetting off to Russia.
- Money Matters: The local dough is called Russian Ruble (RUB). Airports, banks, and hotels can help you swap currencies.
- Internet Buzz: You’re pretty much always in Wi-Fi land at hotels, cafes, and hot spots around town. If you can’t live without your data, grab a local SIM.
Cultural Etiquette and Safety
Brushing up on cultural quirks and keeping safe is the name of the game for smooth travels.
Cultural Need-to-Knows:
- Meet and Greet: When saying hello, a strong handshake does the trick. Combine that with using someone’s first name and their dad’s name as a nod to respect.
- Dress Smart: Keep it classy, especially in religious spots. Guys, hats off in churches; ladies, play nice and bring a scarf to cover up.
- Eating Out: Dining’s easy—throw in a tip of 10-15%. Staying away from sticky subjects like politics will keep dinner chit-chat light and breezy.
- Language Bits: Russian is the go-to lingo, but in tourist havens, English flies. Plus, mastering a few Russian niceties wins you instant brownie points.
Safety First:
- Secure Stuff: Hotels offer safes—use them! Flashing your cash or fancy gear isn’t a good look.
- Health Checks: Keep that water bottle full and be wary of street nibbles. Pack a little health kit and any meds you need.
- Mindful Strolling: Moscow and St. Petersburg welcome tourists but keep an eye on your stuff, especially in crowded places, to dodge dodgy sorts.
- Emergency Essentials: Jot down handy contacts like your local embassy and emergency services. Being prep’d is always smart.
Craving more travel goodies? Peep our guides on straightening curly hair and snag exclusive deals for Austrians in Russia.