Where Foreign Tourists Are Heading in Russia Right Now

A new study from Yandex Travel and Akadem-Online reveals the most popular Russian destinations among international visitors, with data shared exclusively with Lenta.ru. The findings show a clear preference for major cities and regions with strong cultural appeal.

Between May and June 2026, foreign tourists booked the most accommodations in Moscow and the Moscow region, accounting for 16 percent of all international reservations. St. Petersburg and the Leningrad region followed at 11 percent, while the Krasnodar region came in third with 10 percent. Other top picks include Rostov, Tatarstan, Nizhny Novgorod, Kaliningrad, and Stavropol.

The Golden Ring regions saw notable growth. Nizhny Novgorod bookings from abroad jumped 53 percent year-over-year, Yaroslavl rose 15 percent, and Vladimir gained 5 percent. For those planning a trip, the Russian Tour Operators Association reports that group tours start at around $1,000 per person.