MoscowvsSt. Petersburg
Can't decide between Moscow and St. Petersburg? Compare these two amazing destinations to find your perfect match.
Moscow
Moscow is a grand capital of imperial palaces, iconic architecture, and rich cultural heritage. Red Square, the Kremlin, and ornate metro stations showcase centuries of Russian history, while modern Moscow buzzes with world-class dining and nightlife.
Known for
St. Petersburg
St. Petersburg is Russia's cultural capital, a stunning city of canals, baroque palaces, and world-class museums. The Hermitage alone could take days to explore, while white nights and imperial grandeur create an unforgettable atmosphere.
Known for
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Head-to-Head Comparison
See how these destinations stack up in key categories
Culture & History
Moscow offers Red Square, Kremlin, St. Basil's Cathedral
St. Petersburg offers Hermitage Museum, Winter Palace, Peterhof Palace
Food & Dining
Moscow is famous for its local dining scene
St. Petersburg is famous for its local dining scene
Nightlife
Moscow offers a relaxed evening atmosphere
St. Petersburg offers a relaxed evening atmosphere
Best Time to Visit
May to September
May to July (White Nights)
Weather
Summer: 23°C, Winter: -8°C
Summer: 22°C, Winter: -6°C
Top Attractions in Moscow
- 1Red Square
- 2Kremlin
- 3St. Basil's Cathedral
- 4Bolshoi Theatre
- 5Moscow Metro
- 6Tretyakov Gallery
Top Attractions in St. Petersburg
- 1Hermitage Museum
- 2Winter Palace
- 3Peterhof Palace
- 4Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood
- 5Nevsky Prospekt
- 6Catherine Palace
Moscow is Popular With
St. Petersburg is Popular With
Hidden Gems
Discover lesser-known attractions in each city
Hidden Gems in Moscow
- 1
Bunker-42 (Cold War Museum)
A declassified, secret Soviet communications bunker 65 meters underground near Taganskaya metro, built to withstand a nuclear attack.
- 2
Melnikov House
The iconic, cylindrical avant-garde house-studio of architect Konstantin Melnikov, built in the 1920s.
Hidden Gems in St. Petersburg
- 1
New Holland Island (Novaya Gollandiya)
A man-made triangular island built in the 18th century for shipbuilding, now transformed into a stunning contemporary urban park and cultural space.
- 2
Semyonovsky (Semenovsky) Platsdarm
A small, poignant memorial park on the site of a former cemetery for victims of the Siege of Leningrad.
Neighborhoods to Explore
Discover the best areas to visit in each city
Top Areas in Moscow
Kitay-Gorod
The historic heart of Moscow, literally meaning 'Chinatown' but with no Chinese connection, this district is a maze of ancient streets radiating from Red Square.
Arbat
Moscow's most famous pedestrian street, the Arbat is a bustling, tourist-friendly artery lined with souvenir shops, street performers, and historic buildings.
Top Areas in St. Petersburg
Historic Center (Admiralteysky & Tsentralny)
The heart of imperial St.
Vasilievsky Island
The city's largest island, with a distinct scholarly and maritime vibe.
Budget Comparison
Compare the cost of traveling in each city
Budget in Moscow
Budget in St. Petersburg
Book Activities
Find tours and experiences in both cities
Book Activities in Moscow
Skip the line with pre-booked tours and attractions
Book Activities in St. Petersburg
Skip the line with pre-booked tours and attractions
Getting There
Compare transport options to both destinations
Find cheap transport to Moscow
Compare prices for trains, buses, and flights to Moscow
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Find cheap transport to St. Petersburg
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Our Verdict
Both Moscow and St. Petersburg are incredible destinations. Moscow excels in Kremlin and Red Square, while St. Petersburg stands out for Hermitage and White Nights.
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