Europe

Peterhof Palace & Gardens – Tips for Planning the Best Day Trip from St. Petersburg
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Peterhof Palace & Gardens – Tips for Planning the Best Day Trip from St. Petersburg

The Peterhof Palace and Gardens are nicknamed the “Russian Versailles” thanks to its more than 140 dazzling fountains. It’s absolutely astonishing to see and a must-visit if you are traveling to St. Petersburg, Russia! However, as is the theme with most tourist attractions in Moscow and St. Petersburg – it can be rather confusing and…

20 of the Best Restaurants in Moscow, Russia by a Local
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20 of the Best Restaurants in Moscow, Russia by a Local

Moscow has many wonderful and unique dining options. And fortunately, many of the best restaurants in Moscow are not too far from the Kremlin, Bolshoi Theatre or St. Basil’s Cathedral. All of the restaurants on this list will also be able to accommodate an English-speaker. While the English spoken may not be perfect – the…

12 Things That Surprised Me About Moscow, Russia (As an American)
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12 Things That Surprised Me About Moscow, Russia (As an American)

I know I’ve said this a million times, but Russia is an absolutely amazing country to visit. If you ever have the opportunity to see it, DO NOT hesitate. Living in Moscow for a little over a year has been one of the most surprisingly fantastic experiences of my life. I know there are many…

7 Crazy & Unusual Things to Do in Moscow, Russia – Written by a Local
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7 Crazy & Unusual Things to Do in Moscow, Russia – Written by a Local

I’m sharing 7 of the craziest and most unusual things you can do in Moscow in this post. If you’re looking for a list of the top tourist attractions in Moscow (Red Square, the Bolshoi, the Kremlin, yada, yada) – this isn’t the list for you! (But if that’s the list you’re looking for, I…

18 Photos of St. Petersburg, Russia (During Winter)
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18 Photos of St. Petersburg, Russia (During Winter)

I’ve been babbling about how beautiful Moscow, Russia is in my last few posts… and I didn’t want St. Petersburg to feel left out! This city is just as gorgeous as Moscow is. With fewer crowds and fresh snowfall, St. Petersburg is an especially magical destination to visit during winter. I can’t recommend visiting Russia…

Moscow in Winter – 3 Day Itinerary for First-Timers
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Moscow in Winter – 3 Day Itinerary for First-Timers

Wondering how to spend 3 days in Moscow, Russia during the winter? This itinerary is here to help! I know I’m beginning to sound like a broken record at this point, but I can’t help it! Visiting Moscow, Russia during the winter is SO worth being a little cold to experience. Besides, when you think…

The Vodka Museum in Moscow – What to Expect When Visiting
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The Vodka Museum in Moscow – What to Expect When Visiting

When you think of Russia, you can’t help but also think “vodka.” Russians and vodka have a longstanding history with one another. And the Vodka Museum in Moscow is here to shed some more light on this history! (Plus, there are inexpensive vodka tastings here…need I say more?) If you’re debating adding Moscow’s Vodka Museum…

Tips for Visiting Izmailovsky Market in Moscow, Russia
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Tips for Visiting Izmailovsky Market in Moscow, Russia

The best place to buy souvenirs in Moscow, Russia is easily Izmailovsky Market. It’s located just outside the city center and is easy to get to via the metro. The prices here are a fraction of what you’ll pay on Arbat Street for the same souvenirs… and you can barter! My husband and I went…

How to Spend 2 Days in Baku, Azerbaijan – The Ultimate Itinerary
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How to Spend 2 Days in Baku, Azerbaijan – The Ultimate Itinerary

2 days in Baku, Azerbaijan is just enough time to get a good feel of the city. Granted, you won’t be able to see absolutely everything Baku has to offer in this timeframe – but you will get a great overview. I’m sharing how we spent our 2 days here and a few tips for…

Coolest Things to See in Baku, Azerbaijan + Travel Tips
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Coolest Things to See in Baku, Azerbaijan + Travel Tips

What comes to mind when you think of Baku, Azerbaijan? If “nothing” is your first thought – you’re not alone. I honestly couldn’t have pointed to the city of Baku on a map until a year ago… let alone tell you what there is to do there. This post is here to explain this interesting…

25 Photos of the Heydar Aliyev Center’s Classic Car Exhibit in Baku, Azerbaijan
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25 Photos of the Heydar Aliyev Center’s Classic Car Exhibit in Baku, Azerbaijan

The Heydar Aliyev Center in Baku, Azerbaijan, is one of the most stunning buildings I have ever seen in my life. Not a single straight line was used in its design! This architectural wonder is a museum complex designed by British-Iraqi architect Zaha Hadid. (She was the first woman to receive the Pritzker Architecture Prize.)…