Photos of Russia

Tranquil Red Square at morning dawn, Moscow, Russia
Red Square.

Lingxiao Xie / Getty Images

Viewing Russia in photos isn't as good as actually traveling to Eastern Europe's most eastern country, but photos can illustrate Russia's diverse travel destinations and culture.

01 of 08

Russia Culture 101

Russian Flag On Duma Building At Manege Square
 Ksenia Semirova / EyeEm / Getty Images

Russia is proud of its culture and traditions. Russian culture is colorful, enduring, and deeply embedded in the Russian collective consciousness. Russians are happy to share their culture with curious visitors.

02 of 08

Russian Souvenirs

Matryoshka Doll from Russia
Lars Ruecker / Getty Images

The variety of Russian souvenirs available is overwhelming. Souvenir craftsmanship can be highly detailed, and the best work of souvenir artists command increasingly high prices, so choose your souvenirs carefully.

03 of 08

Moscow Kremlin

Moscow Kremlin at sunset
Max Ryazanov / Getty Images

The Kremlin is a must-see for visitors to Moscow. Within the Kremlin walls are hundreds of years of Russian history. See the interior of cathedrals, visit the Armoury Museum, and walk in the footsteps of the tsars.

04 of 08

St. Petersburg

The Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood
 www.christophefaugere.com / Getty Images

Besides Moscow, St. Petersburg is Russia's most-visited city, and, some say, its most beautiful. Cathedrals, monuments, palaces, and canals await the visitor to St. Petersburg, and those are just the sights. St. Petersburg also has a lively nightlife, a variety of restaurants, and plenty of visual and performing art centers.

Continue to 5 of 8 below.
05 of 08

Matryoshka Dolls

Russian nesting doll
Stefan Cristian Cioata / Getty Images

Matyroshka dolls, or Russian nesting dolls come in all shapes and sizes and are painted in a variety of ways. This photo gallery gives some examples of matryoshka dolls that travelers may see in souvenir shops and markets in Russia.

06 of 08

Peterhof

Gold Statues at Peterhof
 fmajor / Getty Images

Peterhof is a popular day trip from St. Petersburg. Its complex includes fountains, palaces, and gardens.

07 of 08

Sochi

Aerial view on seashore resort area, Sochi, Russia
 Ideas_Studio / Getty Images

Sochi is a Russian resort city that is slated to host the 2014 Winter Olympic Games. Subtropical in climate and sandwiched between the Black Sea and the Caucasus Mountains. Sochi is a favorite spot for rest and relaxation.

08 of 08

Moscow Metro

Elektrozavodskaya Moscow Metro Station, Russia
 Chan Srithaweeporn / Getty Images

The Moscow Metro stations have been likened to palaces, and each station capitalizes upon a theme that makes it special. Take a tour through the Moscow metro for an introduction to some of the most beautiful metro stations.