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7-Day Shoestring Budget Itinerary in Russia

Saturday, July 29: Moscow

Start your trip by exploring the iconic Red Square in Moscow. In the morning, visit St. Basil's Cathedral, an architectural marvel, and take a stroll through the square, admiring the historical buildings. In the afternoon, head to the famous GUM department store for some budget-friendly shopping. As the evening sets in, enjoy a leisurely walk along the Moskva River and catch stunning views of the city.

  • Red Square: Free, 2-3 hours
  • St. Basil's Cathedral: RUB 500 (approximately $7), 1 hour
  • GUM department store: Depends on shopping, 2-3 hours
  • Moskva River walk: Free, 1-2 hours
Sunday, July 30: Saint Petersburg

Explore the cultural treasures of Saint Petersburg in the morning by visiting the State Hermitage Museum, home to a vast collection of art and artifacts. In the afternoon, take a boat tour along the city's canals, discovering the beauty of its architecture. As the evening sets in, immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Nevsky Prospekt, the city's main street, with its shops, cafes, and street performers.

  • State Hermitage Museum: RUB 700 (approximately $10), 3-4 hours
  • Boat tour: RUB 500-700 (approximately $7-10), 1-2 hours
  • Nevsky Prospekt: Free, 2-3 hours
Monday, July 31: Kazan

Start your day by exploring the stunning Kazan Kremlin, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the afternoon, visit the Kul Sharif Mosque, the largest mosque in Russia, and take a walk along Bauman Street, a vibrant pedestrian street lined with shops and cafes. As the evening sets in, enjoy a traditional Tatar meal at one of the local restaurants.

  • Kazan Kremlin: RUB 700 (approximately $10), 2-3 hours
  • Kul Sharif Mosque: Free, 1-2 hours
  • Bauman Street: Free, 2-3 hours
  • Tatar meal: RUB 500-1000 (approximately $7-14)
Tuesday, August 1: Yekaterinburg

In the morning, explore the Church on the Blood, built on the site of the Romanov family's execution. In the afternoon, visit the Yekaterinburg History Museum to learn about the city's rich history. As the evening sets in, take a peaceful stroll along the Iset River, enjoying the scenic views.

  • Church on the Blood: RUB 200 (approximately $3), 1-2 hours
  • Yekaterinburg History Museum: RUB 300 (approximately $4), 2-3 hours
  • Iset River walk: Free, 1-2 hours
Wednesday, August 2: Novosibirsk

Start your day by visiting the Novosibirsk Opera and Ballet Theatre, one of Russia's most renowned theaters. In the afternoon, explore the Novosibirsk Zoo, home to a wide variety of animals. As the evening sets in, take a leisurely walk along Lenina Square, admiring the city's impressive architecture.

  • Novosibirsk Opera and Ballet Theatre: Varies depending on performance, 2-3 hours
  • Novosibirsk Zoo: RUB 500 (approximately $7), 2-3 hours
  • Lenina Square: Free, 1-2 hours
Thursday, August 3: Irkutsk

In the morning, explore the historic center of Irkutsk, known for its wooden architecture. In the afternoon, visit the Decembrists' Museum, showcasing the history of exiled aristocrats. As the evening sets in, take a relaxing stroll along the Angara River, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere.

  • Historic center of Irkutsk: Free, 2-3 hours
  • Decembrists' Museum: RUB 200 (approximately $3), 1-2 hours
  • Angara River walk: Free, 1-2 hours
Friday, August 4: Vladivostok

Start your day by visiting the Vladivostok Fortress, a military historical complex. In the afternoon, explore the Arsenyev Primorsky State Museum, showcasing the region's natural and cultural heritage. As the evening sets in, head to Sportivnaya Harbor for picturesque sunset views.

  • Vladivostok Fortress: RUB 200 (approximately $3), 2-3 hours
  • Arsenyev Primorsky State Museum: RUB 300 (approximately $4), 2-3 hours
  • Sportivnaya Harbor: Free, 1-2 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

For a unique experience, venture off the beaten path and visit Lake Baikal, the world's deepest and oldest freshwater lake, located near Irkutsk. Enjoy hiking along its scenic trails and take a dip in its crystal-clear waters. Additionally, try sampling traditional Russian street food from local vendors, such as blini (pancakes) and pirozhki (stuffed pastries), for an authentic culinary experience on a shoestring budget.

Check out hotel and flight prices on KAYAK.

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