SHARMILA MELISSA YOGALINGAM visits the world's largest country and advises what not to miss in its vibrant cities of Moscow and St Petersburg.
When you think of Russia, inevitably the KGB, political espionage, undercover spies and dark and gloomy weather comes to mind. It's an environment renowned for various shades of the colour grey - from the buildings, to the clothes people wear. But the vibrant cities of Moscow and St Petersburg prove Russia's true colours can be easily unveiled, showing a country which is very different and with a distinguishing culture unlike anywhere else.
While Russia doesn't offer a myriad of sights or a multitude of sporty activities, many visit simply to marvel at the former Soviet Union - the largest country in the world. At more than 17 million square kilometres, the Russian Federation is almost double the size of China and shares borders with Norway, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Belarus, Ukraine, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, China, Mongolia and North Korea. And while much of its land mass may be considered lacklustre and notoriously difficult to navigate, a visit to Moscow or St Petersburg provides a full and varied experience that runs the gamut of Russian culture.
Russians are extremely proud of their heritage, including their music, art and dance, so make a point of attending a concert or the ballet to. Annual festivals include the Russian Contemporary Dance Festival and the Moscow Festival Ballet.
Dance Renowned for producing some of the world's finest ballet dancers - from Baryshnikov to Nureyev - Russia's rigorous ballet schools employ the toughest of training sessions so dancers can achieve "perfect form". One of the most opulent places to experience the ballet is the Bolshoi Ballet and Opera Theatre. Heralded as the finest ballet company in the world, the Bolshoi (www.bolshoimoscow.com) constantly monitors its dancers' height and weight, with company members enduring arduous training sessions to ensure technically precise performances.
Music Russia has produced an impressive number of classical musicians. Masters include Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninoff and Shostakovich and where better to enjoy their legacy than in Moscow? 
Sights Moscow's three key historical sights are magnificent. Red Square is perhaps the city's most recognisable location and plays host to concerts and parades. Time your visit at sunset for a truly breathtaking experience.
Located just in front of Red Square is The Kremlin - the official residence of the Tsars until 1917 Soviet Revolution. Made up of numerous cathedrals, palaces and towers, this fortress captures the essence of Soviet politics and culture so take your time here.
For a break from history, pack a picnic and head to Kolomenskoye - an enormous estate surrounding the white, gothic 16th century Church of the Ascension. Many Moscovites come here for a day out, but finding an isolated spot in this huge garden is not difficult. Located next to the Moscow River, take a boat ride, or visit the fruit orchards and honey farm. If you're lucky, you may be treated to a dramatic performance in full period costume and make up.
STAY
- $ Ozerkovskaya (50 Ozerkovskaya Naberezhnaya, Building 2. Tel: 495 777 1938, www.ozerkhotel.ru) is one of Moscow's best budget hotels.
- $$ Hotel National (15/1 Mokhovaya Ulitsa, Tel: 495 258 7000, www.national.ru) is close to Red Square and The Kremlin
- $$$ Baltschug Kaminski (1 Ulitsa Balchug. Tel: 095 230 6500, www.kempinski.com) boasts presidents and pop stars among its clientele.
The capital of Russia until 1918 - and known as Leningrad until 1991 - St Petersburg is often referred to as Moscow's "more Russian cousin".
Sights Renowned for its fascinating relics and art pieces, don't miss the stunning Hermitage Museum and Winter Palace (www.hermitagemuseum.org) - a baroque structure housing artworks ranging from impressionist and neo-classical to modern art, as well as relics, antiquities and historic jewellery and gems.
Eat In comparison with Moscow - whose cuisine has been somewhat diluted by other cultures over the years - St Petersburg has more restaurants serving typical Russian dishes. Let food and wine be your guide and eat on!
Note: skip drinking water from the tap or eating street food in Russia, as standards of hygiene vary considerably.
STAY
- $ Hotels on Nevsky (22 Nevsky Prospekt. Tel: 812 703 3860, www.nevsky-hotel.com) offers full modern amenities at a selection of properties.
- $$ Grand Hotel Europe (1 Mikhailovskaya Ulitsa. Tel: 812 329 6000, www.grandhoteleurope.com) is reasonably priced.
- $$$ Astoria (39 Ulitsa Bolshaya Morskaya. Tel: 812 494 5757, www.thehotelastoria.com) is opulent and housed in an elaborate art nouveau complex.
WHEN TO GO Temperatures reach a maximum of 23ºC to 30ºC from June to August and drop to -10ºC in winter. Snow typically falls from November to March.
GETTING THERE Singapore Airlines (www.singaporeair.com) has a direct 11-hour flight to Moscow five days a week. From Moscow to St Petersburg, S7 (Siberia) Airlines (www.s7.ru) has a four-hour flight. Alternatively, take a four and-a-half hour speed train (www.russiantrains.com). New trains now launching claim to cut travel time to less than four hours.
Posted on Mar 2010
