Planning a Trip to Central Russia

I think the best time to get there is in middle june, during the "white nights" ; the sun enlights that fucking beautiful city 24h/24!

Kostroma is one of the oldest Russian cities, which is well worth seeing. The main attraction is the monastery of the 15 century where tsar Mikhail Romanov hid from his enemies. There are also lots of beautiful churches and perfect Volga-river. You can get the best view on the volga from VOLGA hotel, the interior of which is a bit old but service and price are not bad. Best time to go - summer.

www.artistico.ru    super restaurant near Red square ...Travel tip the best time 9.5 ...empty city 

The best time to go is SUMMER. Then all the museums are opened and its warm and nice to stand in lines for the tickets (the lines are almost everywhere though, since so many tourists come). MUST visit: - Petergoff - The winter palace - Walk around the city center is very exciting and nice

Remember that public restrooms in Moscow/Moskva are not for free! However, they are free of charge in restaurants, bars, etc. so it is better to use them there.

take the tube to the Peter and Paul Cathedral Newskj Prospect Ermitage (don't use the toilets)

If you've been to Poland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania or other previous Russian invaded countries, you'll notice certain likeness in appearance.

St.-Petersburg is a historical city, with huge palaces and colorful churches there's plenty to see (especially the church of blood).

Though few tips for first timers in Russia:
1. Few Russians understand/speak English
2.The water is yellow in Petersburg
3.The toilet paper does terrable things to lady-parts
4. Never pour vodka in a restaurant (the waiter/waitress pours it for you). If you do pour your vodka in a restaurant you're messaging the restaurant owner that the service is awful (especially if a woman pours the vodka!)
5. Don't yell "hui" it means penis in Russian.
6. If the first cash register doesn't give you the cheaper ticket to the museum, try the next register. ( One cash register didn't want to let me through as a student, I would have had to pay 50% more, when I went to the other register I was a student after all)

And the few positive tips:
1. You can find cheap souvenirs, you'll just have to walk a bit further to find them
2. There are cheap restaurants! Try the cafés and sandwich bars.
3.The metro is safe and chep!

Have a nice trip ;)

Carry a stash of toilet paper with you at all times.

Truly one of the most astounding cities in the world. It earned its reputation for Venice of the North. It is simply beautiful although there are no gondolas. Do not miss visiting the burial site of the last Czar's family. If you don't know the alphabet, ask one of the locals who throng the place to point it out. If you are there during the endless days of midsummer, you will see bridal parties everywhere. Join in the fun and take pictures. Some of my most fun pictures of the week I spent there were of the bridal wedding shoots. Everyone seems to do their official wedding pictures at one of the many spectacular spots in the city. If you go to the ballet, be aware that the company dancers are always on tour during the summer and you will see junior dancers from their schools or even from other cities filling the dance roster.

8:09 - 11:31 Way to Vladimir (230 rub train ticket)
12:30 Bus to Suzdal' from Vladimir
20:00 Last bus to Moscow from Suzdal' (220 rub bus ticket)
Photo Suzdal': http://www.photosuzdal.ru/arch.htm

Take a canal tour of the city. There will be lots of great photo ops during the boat ride. You can also drink on the boat. Not too expensive but a nice way to get a different view of the city.

Make a loop in the Metro, the brown line makes a circle. Get off at all the stops and look at the stations. Some are very intricate. Take photos and get on the next one.

If you're American, make sure to carry around all of your necessary paperwork (passport with visa, any documents they give you at the airport). You can be stopped by the police at any time and hassled if you don't have it!

Moo Moo Restaurant, Old Arbat Street (next to Home from Home Hostel)
Nice Restaurant with Buffet, Barbecue, also local specialities. Meeting people is easy, fun place.
Meet Phil!

If you're going to the Hermitage, be prepared to do some walking. I did not think a museum could be that big. Or that Catherine the Great owned that much stuff.

If you like fish and sea food go to Porto Maltese restaurant - it's a lovely chain of Serbian restos in Moscow

Fascinating city, crossed by a net of canals, like Venice ! Astonishing a night cruise on the river Neva.

If you go to Russia in the summer months (June-August), bring an eye mask in case you stay at a hotel without good blinds. The almost 24 hours of daylight can really trick your body!