Russia Shoestring Budget 7-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Explore Moscow

Moscow, Russia

9:00 AM

Red Square and Kremlin

Start your day by exploring the iconic Red Square and visit the historic Kremlin. Marvel at the stunning architecture and learn about Russian history.
Walk from your accommodation or take the metro to reach Red Square. It takes about 30 minutes.
Free entry to Red Square, Kremlin admission fee applies, 4 hours

2:00 PM

Arbat Street

Head to Arbat Street for a leisurely walk, lined with shops, cafes, and street performers. Immerse yourself in the local culture.
Take the metro to Arbatskaya station. It takes around 20 minutes.
Cost of food and shopping, 2 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Varenichnaya #1

Enjoy a budget-friendly meal at Varenichnaya #1, known for its delicious traditional Russian dumplings (vareniki).
Walk or take a short taxi ride to the restaurant.
Approximate cost per meal, 1 hour
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Day 2: More of Moscow

Moscow, Russia

10:00 AM

Pushkin Museum

Spend the morning exploring the Pushkin Museum, home to a vast collection of European art and artifacts.
Take a short metro ride to the museum. Allow 2 hours for the visit.
Admission fee, 2 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Mu-Mu

Grab a budget-friendly lunch at Mu-Mu, a popular chain offering a variety of Russian dishes.
Walk or take a short taxi ride to the restaurant.
Affordable meal options, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Gorky Park

Relax in Gorky Park, one of Moscow's most famous green spaces. Take a stroll, rent a bike, or enjoy a boat ride along the river.
Take the metro to reach Gorky Park. Plan for at least 2 hours here.
Some activities may have fees, 2-3 hours

7:00 PM

Dinner at Teremok

Indulge in blini (Russian pancakes) at Teremok for dinner, a popular chain known for its affordable and tasty Russian cuisine.
Walk or take public transport to the nearest Teremok outlet.
Reasonable prices, 1 hour
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Day 3: St. Petersburg Highlights

St. Petersburg, Russia

9:00 AM

Hermitage Museum

Begin your day at the magnificent Hermitage Museum, a must-visit for art lovers. Explore the vast collection of art and artifacts.
Take a train from Moscow to St. Petersburg (approximately 4 hours). Use local transport to reach the museum.
Admission fee, 4 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Pyshechnaya

Try traditional Russian pastries at Pyshechnaya for a quick and budget-friendly lunch.
Walk or take a short taxi ride to the eatery.
Inexpensive pastry options, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Peter and Paul Fortress

Visit the historic Peter and Paul Fortress, offering great views and insights into St. Petersburg's past.
Use local transport to reach the fortress.
Entrance fee may apply, 2 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Soviet Cafe

Experience a taste of Soviet-era Russia at Soviet Cafe, known for its retro decor and affordable Russian cuisine.
Walk or take public transport to the cafe.
Reasonable prices, 1 hour
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Day 4: St. Petersburg Continued

St. Petersburg, Russia

10:00 AM

Catherine Palace

Explore the stunning Catherine Palace in Pushkin, known for its ornate architecture and beautiful gardens.
Take a local bus or train to Pushkin from St. Petersburg.
Entrance fee, 3 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Babushka Russian Restaurant

Enjoy a traditional Russian meal at Babushka Restaurant, offering homely dishes at affordable prices.
Travel back to St. Petersburg for lunch.
Budget-friendly options, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Canal Cruise

Relax on a scenic canal cruise, admiring the beauty of St. Petersburg's waterways and architecture.
Book a canal cruise tour in advance or find one near the city center.
Cost of cruise tour, 2 hours

7:00 PM

Dinner at Pelmeni Club

Savor delicious pelmeni (dumplings) at Pelmeni Club, a cozy eatery known for its comfort food and budget-friendly prices.
Head to the restaurant for dinner.
Affordable dining, 1 hour
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Day 5: Discover Kazan

Kazan, Russia

9:00 AM

Kazan Kremlin

Explore the UNESCO-listed Kazan Kremlin, a cultural and historical complex housing mosques, museums, and architectural wonders.
Take a train from St. Petersburg to Kazan (approximately 10 hours). Use local transport to reach the Kremlin.
Entry fees may apply, 4 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Tugan Avylym

Enjoy Tatar cuisine at Tugan Avylym, a restaurant offering authentic dishes in a traditional setting.
Walk or take a taxi to the restaurant.
Cost of meal, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Bauman Street

Stroll along Bauman Street, a vibrant pedestrian thoroughfare lined with shops, cafes, and historic buildings.
Explore the street on foot.
Free activity, shopping costs extra, 2 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Dom Tatarskoy Kulinarii

Dine at Dom Tatarskoy Kulinarii, known for its delicious Tatar cuisine and cozy atmosphere.
Head to the restaurant for dinner.
Affordable dining options, 1 hour
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Day 6: Experience Sochi

Sochi, Russia

9:00 AM

Sochi Arboretum

Start your day at the Sochi Arboretum, a lush botanical garden showcasing a variety of plant species from around the world.
Take a train from Kazan to Sochi (approximately 24 hours). Use local transport to reach the arboretum.
Entrance fee, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Stolovaya 1001 Nights

Enjoy a budget-friendly meal at Stolovaya 1001 Nights, offering a range of Russian and Caucasian dishes.
Walk or take a short taxi ride to the eatery.
Reasonable prices, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Sochi Beach

Relax on the sandy shores of Sochi Beach, soak up the sun, and take a refreshing dip in the Black Sea.
Walk to the beach from the arboretum.
Free activity, 2-3 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Matsesta

Indulge in a seafood dinner at Matsesta, a local restaurant known for its fresh fish dishes and seaside views.
Head to Matsesta for dinner.
Cost of meal, 1 hour
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Day 7: Explore Yekaterinburg

Yekaterinburg, Russia

9:00 AM

Church of All Saints

Visit the Church of All Saints, a poignant memorial to the Romanov family, located on the site of their execution.
Take a train from Sochi to Yekaterinburg (approximately 30 hours). Use local transport to reach the church.
Free entry, 1-2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Teremok

Enjoy a quick and affordable meal at Teremok, known for its blini (Russian pancakes) and other Russian dishes.
Walk or take a short taxi ride to the restaurant.
Budget-friendly options, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Europe-Asia Border

Visit the Europe-Asia border marker to stand in two continents at once and take memorable photos.
Take a local bus or taxi to the border marker.
Nominal fee for visiting, 1 hour

4:00 PM

Explore City Center

Wander around Yekaterinburg's city center, visit local markets, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of this historic city.
Walk or use local transport to explore the city center.
Shopping and activity costs, 2-3 hours

7:00 PM

Farewell Dinner at Dve Palochki

Savor a farewell dinner at Dve Palochki, offering a mix of Asian and Russian cuisine in a cozy setting.
Head to the restaurant for your last meal in Russia.
Cost of meal, 1-2 hours
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