7-Day Shoestring Budget Itinerary in Russia

Wednesday, November 29: Moscow

Start your trip in the vibrant city of Moscow. In the morning, visit Red Square and marvel at the iconic St. Basil's Cathedral. Explore the Kremlin and its fascinating history in the afternoon. As the evening sets in, take a stroll along Arbat Street, known for its shops, cafes, and street performers.

• Red Square: Entrance is free, estimated time spent: 2-3 hours
• Kremlin: Entrance fee is approximately 700 RUB ($9), estimated time spent: 3-4 hours
• Arbat Street: Free to explore, estimated time spent: 2-3 hours

Thursday, November 30: Saint Petersburg

Take a train to Saint Petersburg in the morning. Start your day by visiting the magnificent Hermitage Museum, home to an extensive collection of art. In the afternoon, explore the Peter and Paul Fortress and visit the iconic Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood. In the evening, stroll along Nevsky Prospekt, the city's main thoroughfare.

• Hermitage Museum: Entrance fee is approximately 800 RUB ($10), estimated time spent: 3-4 hours
• Peter and Paul Fortress: Entrance fee is approximately 350 RUB ($4.50), estimated time spent: 2-3 hours
• Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood: Entrance fee is approximately 250 RUB ($3), estimated time spent: 1-2 hours
• Nevsky Prospekt: Free to explore, estimated time spent: 2-3 hours

Friday, December 1: Kazan

Fly to Kazan in the morning. Start your day by visiting the Kazan Kremlin, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the Qol Sharif Mosque and the Annunciation Cathedral. In the afternoon, take a leisurely walk along Bauman Street, a bustling pedestrian thoroughfare. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and try some local Tatar cuisine.

• Kazan Kremlin: Entrance fee is approximately 300 RUB ($4), estimated time spent: 2-3 hours
• Qol Sharif Mosque: Entrance fee is approximately 200 RUB ($2.50), estimated time spent: 1-2 hours
• Annunciation Cathedral: Entrance fee is approximately 150 RUB ($2), estimated time spent: 1-2 hours
• Bauman Street: Free to explore, estimated time spent: 2-3 hours

Saturday, December 2: Yekaterinburg

Take a train to Yekaterinburg in the morning. Begin your day by visiting the Church on the Blood, built on the site where the last Russian Tsar and his family were executed. Explore the Yekaterinburg History Museum in the afternoon to learn about the city's rich past. In the evening, visit the Vysotsky Viewing Platform for panoramic views of the city.

• Church on the Blood: Entrance fee is approximately 200 RUB ($2.50), estimated time spent: 1-2 hours
• Yekaterinburg History Museum: Entrance fee is approximately 200 RUB ($2.50), estimated time spent: 2-3 hours
• Vysotsky Viewing Platform: Entrance fee is approximately 200 RUB ($2.50), estimated time spent: 1-2 hours

Sunday, December 3: Novosibirsk

Take a train to Novosibirsk in the morning. Start your day by visiting the Novosibirsk Opera and Ballet Theatre, one of the largest opera houses in the world. Explore Lenin Square in the afternoon and admire the impressive Lenin Statue. In the evening, take a relaxing walk along the Ob River embankment.

• Novosibirsk Opera and Ballet Theatre: Entrance fee varies based on performance, estimated time spent: 2-3 hours
• Lenin Square: Free to explore, estimated time spent: 1-2 hours
• Ob River embankment: Free to explore, estimated time spent: 1-2 hours

Monday, December 4: Irkutsk

Fly to Irkutsk in the morning. Start your day by visiting the historic wooden architecture of the Taltsy Museum. In the afternoon, explore the quirky neighborhood of 130th Quarter with its colorful houses and small shops. As the evening sets in, take a leisurely walk along the Angara River embankment.

• Taltsy Museum: Entrance fee is approximately 500 RUB ($6.50), estimated time spent: 2-3 hours
• 130th Quarter: Free to explore, estimated time spent: 2-3 hours
• Angara River embankment: Free to explore, estimated time spent: 1-2 hours

Tuesday, December 5: Vladivostok

Fly to Vladivostok in the morning. Start your day by visiting the Vladivostok Fortress and enjoy panoramic views of the city from Eagle's Nest Hill. In the afternoon, explore the lively central square, Svetlanskaya Street, and visit the Arsenyev Primorsky State Museum. End your day by taking a walk along the Golden Horn Bay.

• Vladivostok Fortress: Entrance fee is approximately 250 RUB ($3), estimated time spent: 2-3 hours
• Eagle's Nest Hill: Free to visit, estimated time spent: 1-2 hours
• Arsenyev Primorsky State Museum: Entrance fee is approximately 300 RUB ($4), estimated time spent: 2-3 hours
• Golden Horn Bay: Free to explore, estimated time spent: 1-2 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

For budget-friendly hidden gems, head to Suzdal and explore its picturesque wooden architecture and peaceful atmosphere. Another favorite among locals is Lake Baikal, where you can enjoy stunning natural beauty and take part in various outdoor activities such as hiking and camping.

Check hotel and flight prices here.