Russia, although divided into a number of regions, is the biggest nation in the world by far, and for international travelers, is a great destination to visit to experience different culture, atmosphere, and the wide span of both spread across this vast land. From the capitol city of Moscow in the West, to Siberia in the East, there are a great number of various things to experience within these borders, stretching from Asia to Europe, and every place in between.

If you’re hoping to explore the towns and attractions, and take in more of the cultural aspects of Russian living, then Moscow and St. Petersburg are both great locales to begin with, being two of the most busy cities in the nation. In Moscow, you might go to the Kremlin or Red Square, and one of the most breathtaking sites in all of the city, St. Basil’s Cathedral, which is instantly recognizable, and was erected in 1555, sitting at the geological center of the city, in the middle of Red Square itself.

The Cathedral, commissioned by Ivan the Terrible, was unique for its time, and the central structure is surrounded by ten additional towers, the last of which was erected atop the grave of St. Basil himself, and in its entirety, the complex was designed to look like a bonfire, with flames reaching up toward the sky as a symbol of power. Other prominent places that are worth visiting in Moscow include the Bolshoi Theater, the Lenin Mausoleum, and the Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts, each with rich cultural significance and vibrant history to keep you and your fellow travelers extremely busy over the duration of your travels.

Those with legal Russian visas should also visit the former capitol, St. Petersburg, which was home to a number of Tsars in the past and acts as a cultural center, and is also known as the Venice of the North, housing many museums, including the State Hermitage Museum on the bank of the River Neva, which is full of unique pieces that will keep travelers entertained during their trip. Although it could take weeks to explore the entire extent of the museum, filled with immense wings, each with its own individual significance, including the Winter Palace of Peter I, you should plan your trip accordingly, in order to avoid missing out on many of the hidden treasures contained within.

Taking in one of the most historically significant countries in the world, and getting a better look at its history for yourself, anybody with US passports should really make the effort to visit Russia and explore all of its wonders.