❄️ Russia in Winter: A Journey Through Snow and Lights

 ❄️ Winter in Russia: A Journey Through Snow and Lights

So when I set out to visit Russia in winter, I thought of it all cold and snowy. But what I found was much more magical; Russia in winter becomes a place of adventure, natural beauty, and rich culture.

🧣 Preparing for the Trip

Before heading off, I spent days researching the best winter destinations in Russia, scanning photos of thick snow and iconic spots frozen with ice. I found that in some areas it could drop below -20°C, particularly in Siberia, so I began packing heavy garments, gloves, hats, and waterproof boots. I also made a list of places I wanted to go: Moscow, St. Petersburg, and next Siberia for an authentic experience in the wild and nature.

🏰 Moscow: The Heart of Russian History

When I landed in the city of Moscow, I was immediately taken aback by a charm that was unlike any other. The Red Square was draped in white snow, and the Kremlin loomed daintily over it like a medieval fortress that mirrors Russia’s storied past. Wintertime walking in Moscow really adds a special flavor - old buildings blend with modern city lights, and the smell of coffee and hot chocolate from coffee shops on the way is a welcome distraction in this chilly city. I visited the National History Museum and the colorful Saint Basil’s Cathedral for the first two days. I even went on the winter tram in central Moscow, and enjoyed it enough to not only feel as though the city was whispering its own personal story in every street.

🍲 Food Experiences in Moscow

I was pleasantly surprised by Russian food in Moscow. I tried borscht (beetroot soup), great for warming up, and “blini” with lots of filling including cheese, potatoes, and even caviar. Hot drinks, particularly traditional Russian tea, had soothed us after long strolls in the cold. I also had Beef Stroganoff with tender meat and rice too - a winter dream.

St. Petersburg: The City of Palaces and Bridges.

 Then I visited St. Petersburg, sometimes dubbed the “Venice of Russia” due to its canals and stunning bridges. Snow-covered bridges and frozen canals created breathtaking scenery. I went to the Hermitage Museum, which has thousands of artworks, and had Russian tea with pastries in one of the historic cafés overlooking the canals. A stroll through St. Petersburg in winter just feels like walking into a painting; lights glimmer on the snow and classical music drifts from cafés, creating a magical atmosphere blending culture, art, and nature

🏞️ Siberia: Untouched Nature and Winter Adventures

But then, after travelling all the way to Siberia, which is one of the coldest regions in the world, I reached a place beautiful — and cold! Frozen lakes and snow-covered forests felt otherworldly. I attempted dog sledding, ice skating and photographed breathtaking landscapes. I also encountered Siberia to learn about how the locals exist and deal with extreme temperatures. I sampled local foods such as smoked fish on ice, freshly baked bread over a wood fire — nature, culture and survival come together in one

🧤 Advice for Arab Travelers 

• Wear heavy layered clothing, especially gloves and hats

. • Use waterproof snow boots to prevent slipping.

 • Try traditional Russian dishes like borscht, blini, Beef Stroganoff, and Russian tea.

 • Plan outdoor activities during daylight to enjoy the natural light and snow.

 

 Things You Should Know Before Visiting Moscow:

🚗 Transportation App:

Yandex Go

This is the most popular ride-hailing app in Moscow — the local version of Uber. You can easily book a car, choose the type of ride, and see the price before confirming. Payment can be made by card or cash, and the app is available in English.

🗺️ Maps App:

Google Maps

Perfect for getting around Moscow by car, metro, or on foot. It also shows nearby attractions, restaurants, and shops.
💡 Tip: download the Moscow map offline so you can use it without an internet connection.

Local alternative:

Yandex Maps – very popular among locals and provides real-time metro routes and accurate travel times.

🍔 Food Delivery App:

Yandex Eats

The most widely used food delivery app in Moscow. It offers a wide range of restaurants and cafés with fast delivery service.

You can pay online or in cash — the interface is simple and easy to use, even for visitors.

Delivery Club :

 a trusted Russian app with many local and international restaurant options.

Traveling to Russia in winter is more than just a trip; it’s an experience rich in culture, nature, food, and fun activities. Be it roaming Moscow, admiring the splendor of St. Petersburg, or adventuring in Siberia, you feel as if you’ve stepped into a magical world full of unforgettable memories. Winter in Russia fosters patience against the cold while offering unmatched natural beauty and profound cultural experiences. Russian winters attract travelers and adventure seekers alike — a destination not to be missed at least once in a lifetime." Russia could be your destination to celebrate the end of 2025."