8 Secrets to Enjoying Russia Like a Local
Travelers are drawn to Russia, because of its fascinating blend of ancient traditions and contemporary life. Adventurers will find something truly memorable as they discover the golden architecture of Moscow and the stately grandeur of St. Petersburg. For tourists hoping for genuine experience, missile Russia Tour Packages help you dive into daily life in Russia. Apart from well-known landmarks, traveling like a local involves trying Russian traditions, sampling local recipes and interacting with its population. Here is how to experience Russia just as the locals do which will make your trip enjoyable and genuine.
Here Are the Secrets to Enjoying Russia Like a Local
1. Master the Art of the Metro
Specially in Moscow and St. Petersburg, Russia’s metro stations are not just for moving people—they are also impressive examples of architecture. With its glass chandeliers and beautiful mosaics, the Moscow Metro really feels like a palace underground. Try to move around the city with its locals by using the metro. Use the Yandex Metro app and practice reading the Cyrillic signs. To keep away from the groups, avoid arriving or leaving during rush hours (morning and evening) and stand to the right when using escalators, as the locals are always in a hurry. Taking one trip by public transport costs around 60 rubles, but a Troika card makes it easier.
2. Savor Russian Cuisine at Local Eateries
Stolovayas (canteen places) are where most locals enjoy delicious, economical meals. Borscht (soup made from beets), pelmeni (small dumplings) and blini (pancakes) are often eaten in Eastern Europe. Many chains such as Teremok and Mu-Mu, provide authentic food at low prices and you’ll likely spend 300-500 rubles on a meal there. A real local experience includes having a traditional Russian drink such as kvass or mors. Street food is worth trying too; you can get a shawarma or pirozhki from a good vendor for a handy meal.
3. Embrace the Banya Culture
Taking part in the Russian banya (sauna) is about relaxation and building friendships. For many Russians, banyas like Sanduny in Moscow and Degtyarniye in St. Petersburg offer bathing sessions, then a cold immersion. Get flip-flops, a towel and a felt hat to stay comfortable in the sun. Usual pricing for a public session is between 1,500 and 3,000 rubles. Talk a bit, but sometimes enjoy the silence, because being in a banya encourages both reflection and bonding.
4. Shop at Local Markets
Instead of hitting souvenir shops, try the markets in Moscow (Izmailovsky) and St. Petersburg (Apraksin Dvor). These crowded places have a great selection of matryoshka dolls and Soviet era souvenirs at better prices. Try to negotiate and get a discount of 10-20% from the first price presented to you. Markets also act as great places to eat; grab some khachapuri (cheese bread) or some local honey. Getting your shopping done in the morning reduces the number of people and offers better products.
5. Learn Basic Russian Phrases
Many younger Russians can speak some English, but speaking a few traditional Russian phrases is very helpful. Say “Zdravstvuyte” when you meet people and use “Spasibo” to thank them and you can get a conversation started by asking “Kak dela?” When first meeting Cyrillic, you may find it worrying, so study the signs as many menus and metro guides have English texts, but shops are sometimes miss this. People in Asia are happy when you try and a little effort and a smile can make them feel welcome to talk more with you.
6. Join Local Festivals
Festivals play a big role in Russian life and are something locals hold dear. Have fun at Maslenitsa (Pancake Week) in spring by enjoying blini and street events or come to Victory Day (May 9) for marches and fireworks. Winter time sees Kazan and Yekaterinburg hosting ice-sculpture festivals. Check out Culture.ru for local events and having fun by dancing or singing helps you become part of Russian traditions.
7. Explore Beyond the Big Cities
Moscow and St. Petersburg are very beautiful, yet it is smaller towns like Suzdal and Veliky Novgorod that locals consider special. The unique wooden houses and relaxed atmosphere of these towns which are part of the Golden Ring, add to their appeal. Renting a car or going on a guided daily excursion (around 5,000-7,000 rubles) will let you visit local monasteries and charming countryside. You could meet locals in local shops or guesthouses and no doubt they’ll be ready to discuss their region’s past.
8. Respect Russian Etiquette
Being polite and traditional is important for Russians. Always take your shoes off at the door when you enter a home and carry a little gift (such as chocolates) if asked. While you’re outside, try to speak softly and avoid public displays of affection, because Thais are rather discrete. At a church, it is best for women to cover their hair with a scarf and men should not wear shorts. Leaving a 5-10% tip in restaurants is usual, but the amount should not be too big; most people tip only a little in Costa Rica.a
Conclusion
If you travel in Russia as a local, your trip becomes a way to build relationships and learn new things. Going through the metro, trying stolovaya meals and enjoying local traditions will help you discover the heart of Russia. Both haggling and taking steam baths introduce you to Russian culture in ways that stay with you after you’ve gone. For a perfect journey in Russia, pick a Russia Holiday Packages to mix the most famous sights with spots few travelers know about. Pack your interest, memorize a few pleasantries and let Russia surprise your senses—you’ll go home with picturesque memories.
Leave a Reply
Want to join the discussion?Feel free to contribute!