Despite only being a few hours’ flight from the UK, Russia doesn’t always feel that easy to reach. Russia sometimes seems doomed to linger on bucket lists without ever being seriously considered. But if you delay wondering when is the best time to visit Russia, you could be missing out – in a lot of ways, now is the perfect time to visit Russia. And here’s why:
Why visit Russia: Your money will go further
While it’s a trying time for the national economy, the Rouble’s recent crash makes Russia one of the best value destinations in Europe. In fact, 2015 saw Moscow go from being one of the top 10 most expensive cities in the world to just scraping into the top 50. I noticed a huge difference in the country during my last visit and would definitely no longer rank Moscow with the likes of these budget-busting cities.
Though it might seem crass to tout this economic crisis as a selling point, I really do think tourism could help Russia get back on its feet and bring some new revenue to the country.
Now is the perfect time to visit Russia: Fewer tourists
One of the first things I noticed on my return to Russia this year was the drop in Western tourists. While it could simply be down to the time of year (this was my first trip to Russia in July), I would be surprised if political tensions weren’t keeping some tourists away – particularly Americans. The absence of British or American (and even German) voices was particularly noticeable in Saint Petersburg.
Of course, this brings huge advantages for those who do make it to Russia: not only can you enjoy a more authentic experience away from the masses, but queues for cultural institutions like the Kremlin, The Hermitage or The Russian Museum are far more bearable.
The Hermitage, St Petersburg
Russia polishes up well
The simple fact is: Russia is looking good these days. Countless international sporting events including the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, the 2015 World Aquatic Championship in Kazan and the upcoming FIFA World Cup in 2018 have thrust the country into the spotlight and brought about much-needed investments in city planning and up-keep.
Some of my favourite areas in Moscow have been given an overdue facelift and the city is looking better than ever. Of course, the good news is that this investment looks set to continue up to 2018.
Novodevichy Convent, Moscow
Why visit Russia now: Improved infrastructure
Once upon a time, St. Petersburg’s development lagged behind that of capital Moscow, but today investment is pouring into the city’s infrastructure – the metro is developing at its quickest rate in years, with several new stops and a whole new line slated to open in the next few years. Meanwhile, the city’s chief airport Pulkovo was given a complete overhaul in 2013 when an entirely new, ultra-modern terminal was built.
Russia is ready for more tourists
Hosting huge international sporting events means welcoming huge numbers of international visitors – something that seems to have had a positive impact on Russia. Moscow and Saint Petersburg are undoubtedly more tourist-friendly than they were on my last visit – both cities now have shiny new Boris bike-style hire schemes and the Moscow Metro even boasts English signage! (Though it must be said this is limited and found mostly hidden underfoot…)
Moscow State University
Russia has a burgeoning hipster hangouts
Both Moscow and Saint Petersburg also seem to be embracing the painfully-cool hipster trend at long last. Moscow is now home to the coolest park I know, Gorky Park, which features a dance area, rowing lake, beach volleyball pitch, a bowls club, cafes and restaurants, a contemporary art gallery, a parkour space, halfpipes and much more, while Saint Petersburg’s ul. Gorokhovaya has become a bohemian haven littered with bars and restaurants.
La Boule in Gorky Park, Moscow
Why wait?
Countless people have told me they’d love to go to Russia ‘one day’ – but why wait? There are plenty of reasons to visit Russia – the country is beautiful, enchanting and will surprise you at every turn.
Stop waiting – just go.
Looking for more Russia content? Look no further!
St. Petersburg
- Hipster St. Petersburg: a beginners’ guide
- 5 beautiful churches you have to visit in St. Petersburg
- Window on the West: St Petersburg in photos
Moscow
- First-time in Moscow: 10 essential tips
- Stalinist architecture: Moscow State University
- How not to plan a day trip
I travelled to Russia a few years ago and it was certainly very expensive when I went – I don’t think there’s anything wrong with citing improved cost-effectiveness as a reason to visit! Your lovely photos remind me of my trip – thanks 🙂
Thanks Bec – glad you liked them 🙂 I think it’s a positive for tourists, too – it’s just such a shame when you get speaking to people and they tell you they now can’t afford to travel because the rouble is so low.
YES TO EVERYTHING.
But especially the money factor – this is likely to be a temporary (even if somewhat extended) trough for the ruble (which many experts believe is currently very undervalued), and between the some-day rebound and inflationary pressures already driving ruble-denominated prices upward, this is totally a ‘strike while the iron is hot – NOW!’ situation.
Unfortunately I think the biggest deterrant to Russian tourism is something that cant be rectified by anything from your awesome list, namely the expensive, pain in the a$$ visa process. We were THISCLOSE to visa-less travel with Europe a year and a half ago…
The visa is a HUGE obstacle admittedly. Particularly when there are EASYJET flights from London that could make Moscow the next big weekend break destination. However, people get over the visa to travel to India, Thailand, Australia or the US so it shouldn’t really put people off so much, right?
I’m actually heading to tour of Russia this upcoming Monday, and you’ve definitely confirmed my excitement! Thanks for sharing.
Glad you liked the post, Arijus – and I hope you love Russia too!
Great blogs John.
Our Visa application in being processed and (fingers crossed) if it comes through we will be spending a few days in SPB travelling from the UK on boxing day and the taking the overnight train to Moscow for New Years eve – love the hipster photos and all the other info you have posted. Am getting very excited!!!
🙂
Amazing! Russia in winter is absolutely beautiful – just remember to wear lots of layers (but no long Johns as it’s very hot indoors!). Don’t be surprised if New Year’s Eve is quite quiet – it’s like Russian Christmas Day so a lot there’s quite a lot of family time with people going back to their towns and villages.
Great blog as always! We will move it up the list!
Thanks Fran. It’s a great destination to prioritise… maybe over Japan perhaps?