Falling in Love with Russia: My First Big Adventure Abroad

In 1999, while I was still a university student, I applied for a six-week language program in Moscow. To my delight, I was accepted and had the chance to study economic Russian at the renowned Pushkin Institute, alongside fellow Hungarian students. It was my first time on an airplane, and every moment of the journey felt like magic. Arriving in Moscow, I was awe-struck by the sheer scale and vibrancy of the city; it felt like stepping into another world.

With a student ID from the program, I had free or nearly free access to museums, cathedrals, and historical landmarks all over Moscow. I spent my afternoons exploring every corner I could find, taking in the rich culture and architecture that filled the city. The Russian cuisine delighted me—especially the tangy rye kvass, and chocolate-covered cottage cheese bars, a treat I couldn’t get enough of. The bustling streets, magnificent metro stations, and the vibrant city life were unlike anything I had ever seen. I fell in love with it all so deeply that in 2001, I returned for another four weeks on the same program to relive the experience.

Moscow opened the world to me; it was there that I learned the true essence of travel—how to find my way alone in a foreign city and embrace the rhythm of life in another culture. My proudest moment was at a local market, where vendors mistook me for Georgian. Over the years, I visited Russia many times, with trips to Saint Petersburg and professional journeys back to Moscow during the Prodexpo trade shows. Although it’s been a long time since my last visit, my heart still yearns for Russia, the place that ignited my passion for exploring the world.

• Red Square
  Red Square is the heart of Moscow and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Home to the Kremlin, St. Basil’s Cathedral, and Lenin’s Mausoleum, it’s a must for first-time visitors. It’s a place to witness Russia’s history and its stunning architecture up close.
• St. Basil’s Cathedral
  Famous for its colorful onion domes, St. Basil’s Cathedral is an architectural wonder. Built in the 16th century, its vivid colors and intricate design make it one of Moscow’s most recognizable landmarks and a breathtaking sight, especially at sunset.
• The Kremlin
  The Moscow Kremlin is a fortified complex and the political center of Russia. Visitors can tour the palaces, cathedrals, and museums within its walls, and explore the Armory Museum, which holds royal treasures, ancient artifacts, and the famous Fabergé eggs.
• The Bolshoi Theatre
  The Bolshoi Theatre is an icon of Russian ballet and opera. Catching a performance here is a memorable experience, as it’s home to one of the oldest and most respected ballet companies in the world. The historic theater itself is a masterpiece of Russian architecture.
• Gorky Park
  Gorky Park is Moscow’s beloved outdoor space, ideal for a leisurely day exploring the gardens, boating on the lake, or even visiting its contemporary art museum. In winter, the park transforms into an ice skating rink, adding to its charm.
• Tretyakov Gallery
  This museum houses the largest collection of Russian art in the world, from classical icons to contemporary works. If you want to dive deep into Russian culture and see masterpieces by artists like Ilya Repin and Ivan Shishkin, the Tretyakov Gallery is a must.
• Moscow Metro
  Known as “the underground palace,” Moscow’s metro stations are a sight in themselves. Each station is uniquely designed with marble, chandeliers, and mosaics. Some stations, like Komsomolskaya and Mayakovskaya, are especially famous for their beauty.
• Arbat Street
  One of Moscow’s oldest streets, Arbat Street is a pedestrian-friendly area full of street artists, cafés, and souvenir shops. It’s the perfect place to experience Moscow’s bohemian side, enjoy some local snacks, and pick up unique keepsakes.
• Izmailovsky Market
  For a true Russian shopping experience, head to Izmailovsky Market. This open-air market offers everything from traditional Russian crafts, including nesting dolls and Soviet memorabilia, to unique antiques. It’s a great spot for bargain-hunters and collectors alike.
• Kolomenskoye Estate
  A short drive from central Moscow, this former royal estate offers a peaceful escape from the city. Kolomenskoye’s lush grounds are dotted with historical buildings, including the Church of the Ascension, another UNESCO World Heritage site, and a prime example of early Russian architecture.

Suzdal, a small town in Russia’s Golden Ring, is a picturesque gem that feels like stepping back in time. Known for its charming, well-preserved medieval architecture, Suzdal is filled with colorful onion-domed churches, wooden houses, and historic monasteries. The town, once a vital center of medieval Russia, is now a UNESCO World Heritage site and offers visitors a glimpse into traditional Russian life. Highlights include the stunning Suzdal Kremlin, the serene Spaso-Evfimiev Monastery, and the open-air Museum of Wooden Architecture. With its peaceful countryside setting and rich cultural heritage, Suzdal is an ideal destination for travelers seeking a taste of authentic Russia.

• The Hermitage Museum
  One of the largest and oldest museums in the world, the Hermitage boasts over three million works of art and artifacts. Housed in the grand Winter Palace, the collection spans everything from ancient Egypt to masterpieces by Da Vinci, Rembrandt, and Matisse.
• Peterhof Palace
  Often called the “Russian Versailles,” Peterhof is a stunning imperial palace complex with breathtaking gardens, fountains, and lavish interiors. Located by the Gulf of Finland, it’s especially famous for its Grand Cascade fountain system.
• St. Isaac’s Cathedral
  St. Isaac’s Cathedral is one of the world’s largest Orthodox cathedrals and an architectural masterpiece. Its massive golden dome dominates the city skyline, and visitors can climb up to the colonnade for a panoramic view of St. Petersburg.
• Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood
  This iconic church, with its colorful onion domes, is one of the most photographed landmarks in Russia. Built on the spot where Emperor Alexander II was assassinated, its intricate mosaics and detailed design make it a must-see.
• The Russian Museum
  Dedicated to Russian art, the Russian Museum holds an impressive collection of works by famous Russian artists, including Ilya Repin and Kazimir Malevich. It’s an ideal place to dive into the country’s rich artistic heritage.
• The Peter and Paul Fortress
  Founded by Peter the Great, this fortress is the original citadel of St. Petersburg and holds the Peter and Paul Cathedral, where nearly all Russian tsars are buried. The fortress offers a unique glimpse into the city’s early history.
• Nevsky Prospect
  St. Petersburg’s main avenue, Nevsky Prospect, is the city’s bustling cultural and commercial heart. Lined with shops, cafés, theaters, and historic buildings, it’s the perfect place to take a stroll and soak in the vibrant city atmosphere.
• Yusupov Palace
  This lavish palace is famous not only for its beauty but also for its history, as it was the site of Rasputin’s murder. Today, visitors can tour the opulent rooms and even see a recreation of the events surrounding his mysterious death.
• Fabergé Museum
  Home to the largest collection of Fabergé eggs in the world, this museum showcases the intricate and luxurious creations of jeweler Peter Carl Fabergé. The museum also features a fascinating selection of other decorative arts from the Russian imperial era.
• Catherine Palace
  Located in Tsarskoye Selo (Pushkin), just outside of St. Petersburg, this baroque palace is renowned for its grandeur, especially the legendary Amber Room. The palace’s vast gardens and beautifully decorated halls make it a must-visit for anyone interested in imperial Russia.