Budapest, Hungary: St. Stephen’s Basilica

Budapest is a common tourist destination for young people as it has a great party scene and isn’t very expensive. It’s also got plenty of awesome religious architecture, such as St. Stephen’s Basilica. This church, with its iconic dome, is over 100 years old. It’s still used today for Roman Catholic worship, but it’s also a common spot for tourists.

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St. Petersburg, Russia: Naval Cathedral of St. Nicholas

This architectural mammoth is truly a sight to behold. With its soaring gold-encrusted domes and beautifully wrought facade, it’s one of the loveliest things you’ll see on your trip. It’s now a Russian-Orthodox church, so you can attend a service there if you wish. In the past, it functioned as a movie theatre and a naval museum as well.

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Kutna Hora, Czech Republic: St. Barbara’s Church

This church is truly a relic of history, with construction beginning in the 13th century. The structure wasn’t completed until the 19th century, and frescoes from medieval times along with old gothic architecture are still on display. You don’t want to miss this church, as it’s also a world heritage site to boot.

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The post The Nicest Churches to Visit In Eastern Europe appeared first on Traveler Master.

What to Do

There are some historical places you have to go to when you’re in Moscow, and the Kremlin is one of them. The Kremlin is a citadel that holds 5 different palaces, four cathedrals, Kremlin Towers, and the Grand Kremlin Palace which is where the former czars lived. Now, it is the official home of Vladimir Putin.

Red Square and St. Basil’s Cathedral is another must-see site, and it’s probably the site most well recognized by people even if you haven’t been to Moscow. St. Basils’ Cathedral is an enormous colorful and ornate building on the square and was built in the mid 16th century. Red Square is the true center of Moscow and it is so amazing to witness it in real life.

An unusual activity to do in Moscow which is not known by many is to experience a traditional Russian sauna and bathhouse called a banya. There are tons of banyas all over the city, but if you want to experience the oldest one in Moscow, go to Sanduny banya. This bathhouse has been around since 1808, and even if you don’t want to actually have a banya experience, you can take a tour of the beautiful building, which is just as fun.

You can’t go to Moscow without picking up a souvenir, and the best place to get one is at Izmailovsky market. This flea market is the perfect place to find a treasure to take home, including gorgeous artisan Russian nesting dolls called matryoshki.

Though there are many fabulous museums in Moscow, one of the most important ones to go to is the GULAG History State Museum, which commemorates the GULAG labor camp victims during Stalin’s dictatorship. Being there really makes you feel like you’ve gone back in time, which is heartbreaking but important to learn about.

Where to Eat

Russian cuisine was really affected by food rationing and other political measures during the communist ruling, and even before. But, there’s one restaurant that takes Russian food to the next level by looking to the humble farming past to create a stunning culinary experience. White Rabbit is a restaurant located in a glass dome, is one of the top 20 restaurants in the world, and serves traditional Russian food with a modern twist, using only what’s available locally and in season.

Everyone knows about the Russian cabbage soup called borscht, and although it usually doesn’t seem appealing, if you go to the right place in Moscow, you’ll be a believer. One place you cannot go wrong for borscht and other Russian classics is Dacha Na Pokrovke, where anything you get will de delicious and fresh.

The post You Can’t Help But Marvel at the City of Moscow appeared first on Traveler Master.

Moscow

One of the most ancient cities of Russia, Moscow is filled to the brim with rich history and culture just waiting to be embraced by Western society. It has countless world-famous sites including St Basil’s Cathedral, and the scenery there is literally breathtaking.

Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg also has an incredible amount of history, with bustling streets dripping with landmarks to visit. But if you feel like taking a break from the city life, the Russian capital also has a quaint beauty to explore, with flowing rivers and serene landscapes as well.

Vladivostok

It’s not as well known as Moscow or Saint Petersburg, and yet Vladivostok is one of the most interesting cities you could ever find. Dubbed the “Ruler of the East” and the “San Francisco of Russia”, its hilly landscape gives you a unique feel that you don’t come across often.

The post The Most Exciting Cities to Visit in Russia appeared first on Traveler Master.

Best Time to Visit

Mid-June to September is the best time to visit St. Petersburg. While it’s expensive to visit during this period, you’ll have the most sunshine and you can enjoy White Nights celebrations. The temperature is still a bit cool, ranging from 50 degrees to the 70s. Avoid the city during the winter as the days are short and temperatures dip below freezing.

How to Get Around

Public transportation is the best way to get around St. Petersburg. The metro and bus system has lines that run throughout the center and into the outskirts of the city. While rental cars are available at the Pulkovo Airport (LED), getting the proper driving documents can be a real struggle. Taxis are always an option as well.

Where to Stay

Hotel Astoria

This 5-star hotel is one of St. Petersburg’s most well-known, convenient hotels as it’s near iconic sites like St. Issac’s Cathedral, Nevsky Prospect, Palace Square, and the Mariinsky Theatre. There’s also two restaurants, a 24-hour bar, and a lounge area.

Lotte Hotel St. Petersburg

Lotte Hotel is another 5-star hotel located in a historical mansion on St. Issac’s Square with 150 rooms, two restaurants, an indoor pool, and a fitness center.

Belmond Grand Hotel Europe

This 5-star hotel is located on Nevsky Prospekt thoroughfare, which makes it close to the Russian Museum, Summer Garden, Church of the Savior on the Spilled Blood, and Hermitage Museum. The hotel is breathtaking with wood furnishings, classic Russian artwork, stained glass, and stucco ceilings. It’s home to L’Europe Russia’s oldest continually serving restaurant, as well as three other bars and restaurants.

What to Do

Hermitage Museum and Winter Palace

The Hermitage Museum was founded by Catherine the Great in 1764 to store her private art collection. The museum opened in 1852 and it’s one of the largest museums in the world, comprised of six buildings including the Winter Palace, which was the home of the czars for nearly 200 years. Art from Leonardo da Vinci and Pablo Picasso can be seen here.

Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood

The picturesque onion domes that look like they came straight out of a fairytale and beautiful mosaics found within draw tourists to the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood. The construction of the church was commissioned by Alexander III in 1883 to honor his father who was killed by revolutionaries.

Mariinsky Theatre

This theater is a must-see for opera and ballet lovers. Mariinsky Theatre was built in 1860 and it’s well-known for the building architecture as well as the amazing performances held in it. Make sure you catch a performance of Swan Lake, Sleeping Beauty, or The Nutcracker.

What to Eat

Borscht

Borscht has long been associated with Russia and the red color of the soup comes from beetroots. The soup can be eaten hot or cold and it’s usually served with sour cream and buns known as pampushki.

Beef Stroganoff

This dish consists of sautéed pieces of beef served in a sour cream sauce with vegetables.

Shchi

The basis of this soup is cabbage with a meat broth and vegetables. Shchi is commonly served with sour cream and rye bread.

The post The Architecture in St. Petersburg, Russia Will Take Your Breath Away appeared first on Traveler Master.

Grand Maket Rossiya

If you’re a huge fan of miniature art, make sure to visit Russia’s largest model layout during your visit. It took five years and over a hundred people to build the entire scale model of Russia, which represents its different regions, and includes everything from replicas of real buildings to moving rails,

Museum of Russian Vodka

Vodka is the national drink of Russia and one of the first things that come to mind when someone mentions this country. That’s why it’s not surprising to learn there’s a museum that explores its history, with vodka tastings and guided tours.

Museum of Hygiene

One of the quirkiest museums in all of Saint Petersburg was opened to educate the public about the dangers of germs and filth. To make the whole thing even weirder, one of Pavlov’s original dogs is stuffed and displayed at the museum, without any context whatsoever.

The post 3 Unusual Museum in Saint Petersburg That You Have to See to Believe appeared first on Traveler Master.

Shirakawa, Japan

The Shirakawa village is a UNESCO World Heritage site because of its houses that represent traditional architecture. The building style is called Minka and it includes thatched roofs which save the houses from snow during winter.

St. Petersburg, Russia

St. Petersburg is a stunning city all year long, however, once it’s covered in snow it becomes something out of a fairytale. The magic happens around New Year’s and the Orthodox Christmas, which falls on January 7th and is a holiday spent with family and close friends.

Harbin, China

Habrin is one of the coldest cities in China and the place where you can visit the International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival every winter. With or without the festival, the city looks simply stunning during the winter months, with snow everywhere and beautiful lights showing you the way around.

The post 3 Beautiful Off the Beaten Track Winter Wonderlands appeared first on Traveler Master.

Russian History

If you’re even a little bit interested in Russian History, Hermitage is the place where you can learn so much about it. You can see what St. Petersburg was like in the past, why the victory against Napoleon was so important for Russia, and see the portraits of over 300 Generals that made the victory possible.

Impressive Collection

Don’t expect to be able to see everything at once. Hermitage has a huge collection of 3.5 million items (only a small fraction is on display) and you need to give yourself time if you want to see most of it. It’s a good idea to set aside a few days just for touring the museum.

Egyptian Collection

Besides Russian history, you can also see the Egyptian collection that features items thousands of years old. One of them is the statue of Cleopatra from the 1st century BC.

The post Here’s Why You Need to Visit Hermitage Museum appeared first on Traveler Master.

Colosseum and Pula Arena

The Pula Arena is basically the Colosseum’s Croatian twin brother. It’s the best-preserved ancient monument in the country and, what’s even more impressive, it’s still used as a venue for performances with up to 20,000 visitors.

Notre-Dame De Paris and Amiens Cathedral

These two gothic cathedrals are both located in France, but guess which one is more popular? Notre-Dame is one of the most visited landmarks thanks to Victor Hugo who wrote a novel about it, but the other one is just as stunning.

Saint Basil’s Cathedral and Church Of The Savior On Blood

There’s a church in Saint Petersburg that looks incredibly similar to the famous Moscow landmark, Saint Basil’s Cathedral, but most people still want to visit the latter and see the Red Square in person. Do the opposite if you want to get the best view.

The post 3 Famous Landmarks and Their Twins You Didn’t Know Existed appeared first on Traveler Master.

St. Petersburg is like one big museum thanks to the impressive architecture that adorns its streets, palaces, monuments, and monuments.

Winter Palace

Take a tour of the city’s exclusive palaces, including the prominent Winter Palace on the banks of the Nieve River and part of the Hermitage Museum of the Arts. The museum displays work by Picasso, Monet, and many more.

(Palace Embankment, 32)

The Marble Palace

The marble palace is one of the best palaces in the city, with a neoclassical appearance decorated with many elements of marble brought from different provinces. Inside you will find modern artwork and Renaissance-inspired motifs.

(Millionnaya St, 5/1)

Stroganov Palace

Finally, do not miss the Stroganov Palace, which was the home of the Stroganov family until they left during the October Revolution, and is now one of the wings of the Russian Museum that displays collections of works of art among the elegant Baroque spaces.

(Nevsky Prospect, 17)

The post Visit St. Petersburg, Russia, the City Of Palaces appeared first on Traveler Master.

Coffeemania is a coffee chain with branches in Moscow and around it. But the branch not to be missed is the one located not far from the Kremlin in the Tchaikovsky Concert Hall building.

The outdoor terrace of Coffeemania in the Conservatory building is one of the most beautiful and interesting places to sit on a bright afternoon.

Along with the stunning atmosphere and fine music, Coffeemania serves selected, high-quality coffee and food.

Coffeemania also offers an excellent sandwich menu, breakfasts, and an amazing selection of sweets typical of the Russian taste. For example, on the menu, you can find strawberry cake, raspberries, blackberries and apricots, and strawberry mousse cake in the shape of a red heart filled with fresh raspberries.

Coffee in the Coffeemania chain is not cheap, nor is the food. Especially compared to prices in Moscow but it is hard to argue with the quality of the excellent coffee, the prestigious atmosphere, and the delicious food.

Bolshevik Nikitskaya 13, 7754310, Moscow

The post Check Out This Wonderful Cafe Near The Kremlin appeared first on Traveler Master.

Budapest, Hungary: St. Stephen’s Basilica

Budapest is a common tourist destination for young people as it has a great party scene and isn’t very expensive. It’s also got plenty of awesome religious architecture, such as St. Stephen’s Basilica. This church, with its iconic dome, is over 100 years old. It’s still used today for Roman Catholic worship, but it’s also a common spot for tourists.

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A post shared by KRÉNN IMRE (@krenn_imre)

St. Petersburg, Russia: Naval Cathedral of St. Nicholas

This architectural mammoth is truly a sight to behold. With its soaring gold-encrusted domes and beautifully wrought facade, it’s one of the loveliest things you’ll see on your trip. It’s now a Russian-Orthodox church, so you can attend a service there if you wish. In the past, it functioned as a movie theatre and a naval museum as well.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by уυℓιуα вσℓѕнσνα (@yuliya_phoenix)

Kutna Hora, Czech Republic: St. Barbara’s Church

This church is truly a relic of history, with construction beginning in the 13th century. The structure wasn’t completed until the 19th century, and frescoes from medieval times along with old gothic architecture are still on display. You don’t want to miss this church, as it’s also a world heritage site to boot.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Thomas Phillips (@houstoninnerloopliving)

The post The Nicest Churches to Visit In Eastern Europe appeared first on Traveler Master.

What to Do

There are some historical places you have to go to when you’re in Moscow, and the Kremlin is one of them. The Kremlin is a citadel that holds 5 different palaces, four cathedrals, Kremlin Towers, and the Grand Kremlin Palace which is where the former czars lived. Now, it is the official home of Vladimir Putin.

Red Square and St. Basil’s Cathedral is another must-see site, and it’s probably the site most well recognized by people even if you haven’t been to Moscow. St. Basils’ Cathedral is an enormous colorful and ornate building on the square and was built in the mid 16th century. Red Square is the true center of Moscow and it is so amazing to witness it in real life.

An unusual activity to do in Moscow which is not known by many is to experience a traditional Russian sauna and bathhouse called a banya. There are tons of banyas all over the city, but if you want to experience the oldest one in Moscow, go to Sanduny banya. This bathhouse has been around since 1808, and even if you don’t want to actually have a banya experience, you can take a tour of the beautiful building, which is just as fun.

You can’t go to Moscow without picking up a souvenir, and the best place to get one is at Izmailovsky market. This flea market is the perfect place to find a treasure to take home, including gorgeous artisan Russian nesting dolls called matryoshki.

Though there are many fabulous museums in Moscow, one of the most important ones to go to is the GULAG History State Museum, which commemorates the GULAG labor camp victims during Stalin’s dictatorship. Being there really makes you feel like you’ve gone back in time, which is heartbreaking but important to learn about.

Where to Eat

Russian cuisine was really affected by food rationing and other political measures during the communist ruling, and even before. But, there’s one restaurant that takes Russian food to the next level by looking to the humble farming past to create a stunning culinary experience. White Rabbit is a restaurant located in a glass dome, is one of the top 20 restaurants in the world, and serves traditional Russian food with a modern twist, using only what’s available locally and in season.

Everyone knows about the Russian cabbage soup called borscht, and although it usually doesn’t seem appealing, if you go to the right place in Moscow, you’ll be a believer. One place you cannot go wrong for borscht and other Russian classics is Dacha Na Pokrovke, where anything you get will de delicious and fresh.

The post You Can’t Help But Marvel at the City of Moscow appeared first on Traveler Master.

Moscow

One of the most ancient cities of Russia, Moscow is filled to the brim with rich history and culture just waiting to be embraced by Western society. It has countless world-famous sites including St Basil’s Cathedral, and the scenery there is literally breathtaking.

Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg also has an incredible amount of history, with bustling streets dripping with landmarks to visit. But if you feel like taking a break from the city life, the Russian capital also has a quaint beauty to explore, with flowing rivers and serene landscapes as well.

Vladivostok

It’s not as well known as Moscow or Saint Petersburg, and yet Vladivostok is one of the most interesting cities you could ever find. Dubbed the “Ruler of the East” and the “San Francisco of Russia”, its hilly landscape gives you a unique feel that you don’t come across often.

The post The Most Exciting Cities to Visit in Russia appeared first on Traveler Master.

Best Time to Visit

Mid-June to September is the best time to visit St. Petersburg. While it’s expensive to visit during this period, you’ll have the most sunshine and you can enjoy White Nights celebrations. The temperature is still a bit cool, ranging from 50 degrees to the 70s. Avoid the city during the winter as the days are short and temperatures dip below freezing.

How to Get Around

Public transportation is the best way to get around St. Petersburg. The metro and bus system has lines that run throughout the center and into the outskirts of the city. While rental cars are available at the Pulkovo Airport (LED), getting the proper driving documents can be a real struggle. Taxis are always an option as well.

Where to Stay

Hotel Astoria

This 5-star hotel is one of St. Petersburg’s most well-known, convenient hotels as it’s near iconic sites like St. Issac’s Cathedral, Nevsky Prospect, Palace Square, and the Mariinsky Theatre. There’s also two restaurants, a 24-hour bar, and a lounge area.

Lotte Hotel St. Petersburg

Lotte Hotel is another 5-star hotel located in a historical mansion on St. Issac’s Square with 150 rooms, two restaurants, an indoor pool, and a fitness center.

Belmond Grand Hotel Europe

This 5-star hotel is located on Nevsky Prospekt thoroughfare, which makes it close to the Russian Museum, Summer Garden, Church of the Savior on the Spilled Blood, and Hermitage Museum. The hotel is breathtaking with wood furnishings, classic Russian artwork, stained glass, and stucco ceilings. It’s home to L’Europe Russia’s oldest continually serving restaurant, as well as three other bars and restaurants.

What to Do

Hermitage Museum and Winter Palace

The Hermitage Museum was founded by Catherine the Great in 1764 to store her private art collection. The museum opened in 1852 and it’s one of the largest museums in the world, comprised of six buildings including the Winter Palace, which was the home of the czars for nearly 200 years. Art from Leonardo da Vinci and Pablo Picasso can be seen here.

Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood

The picturesque onion domes that look like they came straight out of a fairytale and beautiful mosaics found within draw tourists to the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood. The construction of the church was commissioned by Alexander III in 1883 to honor his father who was killed by revolutionaries.

Mariinsky Theatre

This theater is a must-see for opera and ballet lovers. Mariinsky Theatre was built in 1860 and it’s well-known for the building architecture as well as the amazing performances held in it. Make sure you catch a performance of Swan Lake, Sleeping Beauty, or The Nutcracker.

What to Eat

Borscht

Borscht has long been associated with Russia and the red color of the soup comes from beetroots. The soup can be eaten hot or cold and it’s usually served with sour cream and buns known as pampushki.

Beef Stroganoff

This dish consists of sautéed pieces of beef served in a sour cream sauce with vegetables.

Shchi

The basis of this soup is cabbage with a meat broth and vegetables. Shchi is commonly served with sour cream and rye bread.

The post The Architecture in St. Petersburg, Russia Will Take Your Breath Away appeared first on Traveler Master.

Grand Maket Rossiya

If you’re a huge fan of miniature art, make sure to visit Russia’s largest model layout during your visit. It took five years and over a hundred people to build the entire scale model of Russia, which represents its different regions, and includes everything from replicas of real buildings to moving rails,

Museum of Russian Vodka

Vodka is the national drink of Russia and one of the first things that come to mind when someone mentions this country. That’s why it’s not surprising to learn there’s a museum that explores its history, with vodka tastings and guided tours.

Museum of Hygiene

One of the quirkiest museums in all of Saint Petersburg was opened to educate the public about the dangers of germs and filth. To make the whole thing even weirder, one of Pavlov’s original dogs is stuffed and displayed at the museum, without any context whatsoever.

The post 3 Unusual Museum in Saint Petersburg That You Have to See to Believe appeared first on Traveler Master.

Shirakawa, Japan

The Shirakawa village is a UNESCO World Heritage site because of its houses that represent traditional architecture. The building style is called Minka and it includes thatched roofs which save the houses from snow during winter.

St. Petersburg, Russia

St. Petersburg is a stunning city all year long, however, once it’s covered in snow it becomes something out of a fairytale. The magic happens around New Year’s and the Orthodox Christmas, which falls on January 7th and is a holiday spent with family and close friends.

Harbin, China

Habrin is one of the coldest cities in China and the place where you can visit the International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival every winter. With or without the festival, the city looks simply stunning during the winter months, with snow everywhere and beautiful lights showing you the way around.

The post 3 Beautiful Off the Beaten Track Winter Wonderlands appeared first on Traveler Master.

Russian History

If you’re even a little bit interested in Russian History, Hermitage is the place where you can learn so much about it. You can see what St. Petersburg was like in the past, why the victory against Napoleon was so important for Russia, and see the portraits of over 300 Generals that made the victory possible.

Impressive Collection

Don’t expect to be able to see everything at once. Hermitage has a huge collection of 3.5 million items (only a small fraction is on display) and you need to give yourself time if you want to see most of it. It’s a good idea to set aside a few days just for touring the museum.

Egyptian Collection

Besides Russian history, you can also see the Egyptian collection that features items thousands of years old. One of them is the statue of Cleopatra from the 1st century BC.

The post Here’s Why You Need to Visit Hermitage Museum appeared first on Traveler Master.

Colosseum and Pula Arena

The Pula Arena is basically the Colosseum’s Croatian twin brother. It’s the best-preserved ancient monument in the country and, what’s even more impressive, it’s still used as a venue for performances with up to 20,000 visitors.

Notre-Dame De Paris and Amiens Cathedral

These two gothic cathedrals are both located in France, but guess which one is more popular? Notre-Dame is one of the most visited landmarks thanks to Victor Hugo who wrote a novel about it, but the other one is just as stunning.

Saint Basil’s Cathedral and Church Of The Savior On Blood

There’s a church in Saint Petersburg that looks incredibly similar to the famous Moscow landmark, Saint Basil’s Cathedral, but most people still want to visit the latter and see the Red Square in person. Do the opposite if you want to get the best view.

The post 3 Famous Landmarks and Their Twins You Didn’t Know Existed appeared first on Traveler Master.

St. Petersburg is like one big museum thanks to the impressive architecture that adorns its streets, palaces, monuments, and monuments.

Winter Palace

Take a tour of the city’s exclusive palaces, including the prominent Winter Palace on the banks of the Nieve River and part of the Hermitage Museum of the Arts. The museum displays work by Picasso, Monet, and many more.

(Palace Embankment, 32)

The Marble Palace

The marble palace is one of the best palaces in the city, with a neoclassical appearance decorated with many elements of marble brought from different provinces. Inside you will find modern artwork and Renaissance-inspired motifs.

(Millionnaya St, 5/1)

Stroganov Palace

Finally, do not miss the Stroganov Palace, which was the home of the Stroganov family until they left during the October Revolution, and is now one of the wings of the Russian Museum that displays collections of works of art among the elegant Baroque spaces.

(Nevsky Prospect, 17)

The post Visit St. Petersburg, Russia, the City Of Palaces appeared first on Traveler Master.

Coffeemania is a coffee chain with branches in Moscow and around it. But the branch not to be missed is the one located not far from the Kremlin in the Tchaikovsky Concert Hall building.

The outdoor terrace of Coffeemania in the Conservatory building is one of the most beautiful and interesting places to sit on a bright afternoon.

Along with the stunning atmosphere and fine music, Coffeemania serves selected, high-quality coffee and food.

Coffeemania also offers an excellent sandwich menu, breakfasts, and an amazing selection of sweets typical of the Russian taste. For example, on the menu, you can find strawberry cake, raspberries, blackberries and apricots, and strawberry mousse cake in the shape of a red heart filled with fresh raspberries.

Coffee in the Coffeemania chain is not cheap, nor is the food. Especially compared to prices in Moscow but it is hard to argue with the quality of the excellent coffee, the prestigious atmosphere, and the delicious food.

Bolshevik Nikitskaya 13, 7754310, Moscow

The post Check Out This Wonderful Cafe Near The Kremlin appeared first on Traveler Master.