Top 10 Beautiful Stops on the Trans-Siberian Railway

The Trans-Siberian Railway journey covers thousands of miles, crossing historical Russian, Mongolian, and Chinese cities. Also, there are a few types of routes that you can take, but the most popular ones are the following three: from Moscow to Beijing (or from St. Petersburg to Beijing), from Moscow to Ulan-Bator, and from Moscow to Vladivostok.

The train journey from Moscow to Beijing covers 7,854 kilometers (4880 miles), from Moscow to Ulan-Bator covers (6,304 kilometers (3,917 miles), while the journey from Moscow to Vladivostok covers 9,289 kilometers (5772 miles). Without any doubt, a long trip is filled with plenty of the best Trans-Siberian Railway stops. Take your notebook and note the top 10 beautiful stops on the Trans-Siberian Railway!

If you are dreaming of going on the scenic Trans-Siberian journey and craving to visit magnificent Saint Petersburg, go on a train trip from St. Petersburg to Beijing. For first-time visitors, a vacation to Russia is not complete without making a stop in St. Petersburg and Moscow.

Recognized as Russia's second capital, St. Petersburg boasts significant sights that bring you back to historical times. While in the city, make sure to explore the Hermitage Museum, Catherine's Palace, and the glorious Peterhof!

Moscow is another must-visit city on the Trans-Siberian Railway route. Depending on the rail route you will choose, Moscow can be the second or the first stop on your Russian train journey. On the rail from St. Petersburg to Beijing, Moscow is the second stop, but the most classical way to travel on the Trans-Siberian railway is from Moscow to Vladivostok.

Moscow is undoubtedly one of the most important points on the route; it’s the capital of Russia! The capital is brimming with beautiful treasures, including the world-famous Kremlin, the legendary Red Square, the fairytale-like St. Basil’s Cathedral, the brilliant Armoury Chamber, and many more Moscow experiences!

Kazan is not directly on the Trans-Siberian route; however, it’s often visited by thousands of tourists that go on the adventurous rail journey. While traveling from Moscow to Beijing, Kazan is a great location to stop and explore the beautiful sights. Plus, Kazan is the capital of the Republic of Tatarstan.

Did you know that Kazan means “cooking pot” in Tatar? Indeed, the diversity of this hub is engaging and inspires visitors to seek new cultural discoveries! Nicknamed as the Istanbul of the Volga, Kazan perfectly blends Orthodox and Islamic cultures. Make sure to explore the Kremlin of Kazan, see the symbolic Kul-Sharif Mosque and the old Peter and Paul Cathedral.

Ekaterinburg is the first major stop in Asian Russia on the Trans-Siberian Railway. That is the place where you will probably start to feel the differences between the regions on the rail journey. Ekaterinburg is mainly known for the Ural Mountains that are the natural border between Russia and Asia. But it offers many more things than that!

Ekaterinburg is a significant city in Russian history because it marks the end of the Russian Empire. In 1918, the last Russian Emperor, Nicolas II, and his family were executed by the Bolsheviks in this city. Today, thousands of city guests visit the landmarks dedicated to the last Imperial family, such as the Church on Blood and the Monastery Complex “Ganina Yama.” If you are eager to get better acquainted with this period of Russian history before your trip, learn more about the 1917 Russian Revolution.

Most travelers on the Trans-Siberian train can’t wait to see the deepest lake in the world, Lake Baikal, which boasts legendary stories and incredible facts. Do you know the famous Siberian sparkling water named after this lake? Baikal Water in a bottle was established in 1973; make sure to taste it! No need to mention the magnificent natural scenery filled with unique flora and fauna. We promise this will be one of the most spectacular views along the Trans-Siberian Railway.

Talking about the nearby Listvyanka Village, we recommend you to stroll around and admire the traditional wooden houses, including the 19th century wooden St. Nicolas Church. Also, to make your experience even more exceptional, the Baikal Limnological Museum is just a short walk away. Lake Baikal is an essential stop, meaning that you can find it on most of our Trans-Siberian Railway tours.

Irkutsk is also known as “Paris of Siberia” for its rich architecture and colorful lifestyle. The city is on the route of the Trans-Siberian railway, so if you are looking for a lovely town to relax and enjoy new sights, mark it on your Trans-Siberian itinerary!

While in Irkutsk, walk along the Angara River embankment to marvel at the beautiful city. And feed your curiosity with new sights, such as the beautiful Polish Roman Church, the Znamensky Monastery, and the Kazan Church, with its Byzantine-style decorations, that make it look like a fairy tower.

Ulan-Ude, the capital of Buryatia, is one of the most authentic places in East Siberia. Although located in Russia, Ulan-Ude feels more like an Asian city. Situated not far from China and Mongolia, Ulan-Ude is the center of the Buddhist Buryat culture. The highlight of Ulan-Ude is the Ivolginsky Datsan, a Buddhist monastery located 35 km (22 mi) outside of the city, which is one of the most significant Buddhist temples in Russia visited by thousands of pilgrims each year.

What’s more, travelers can see the largest Vladimir Lenin bust in the world. It seems hard to believe, but the statue weighs over 42 tons (nearly 93 000 pounds)! If you choose the Trans-Siberian rail journey from Moscow to Vladivostok, make sure to stop at Ulan-Ude.

Ulan-Bator is another great stop on the Trans-Siberian voyage. The capital of Mongolia, Ulan-Bator, is the most popular destination for those who decide to go on the long train ride. Also, it can be the last stop on your trip if you travel from Moscow to Ulan-Bator. Surrounded by imposing mountains, this town reveals the grand architecture of the region, including Buddhist temples and palaces of Mongolian rulers.

Start your exploration of the city with the exciting landmarks such as the Gandan Khiid - Mongolia’s largest Buddhist monastery and the Bogd Khan Winter Palace. Another must-visit site is the Gorkhi-Terelj National Park, where you have the opportunity to visit a traditional ger (yurt), meet a nomadic family, enjoy the majestic landscapes of untouched Mongolia, and try your hand at horse-riding.

Beijing, the capital of China, is the most popular endpoint for travelers on the Trans-Siberian railway route. Founded in 1045 BC, the modern city with and ancient heritage has an eventful history, with legendary mysteries, unbelievable architecture, and deep traditions. We recommend starting your sightseeing tour by visiting the legendary Tiananmen Square, where the mausoleum of Mao Zedong, the National Museum of China, the House of People's Meetings, and the monument to the National Heroes are located. Then take your time discovering the Forbidden City, the former residence of the Ming and Qing dynasties, boasting ancient temples and halls. And don’t forget to add the Summer Palace with its vast green gardens to your wishlist.

You can not say that you have been to China if you haven't visited the world-famous Great Wall of China! Discover this majestic miracle of architecture, spanning over 20,000 kilometers (12,000 miles). One more important highlight of your Trans-Siberian tour is visiting the famous Ming Tombs - the burial site of 13 Ming Dynasty emperors. No doubt, Beijing has plenty of things to see!

Last but not least, the city ofVladivostok is the last stop on the Trans-Siberian Railway. Even though many travelers prefer to finish their journey in Beijing, the original end of the Trans-Siberian railway is actually in Vladivostok. The port city welcomes you with attractive sites and a mix of different cultures: Russian language, Japanese cars, and Asian cuisine.

Also, Vladivostok is home to the Russian Pacific Fleet, located on the western shores of the Japanese Sea. We suggest exploring the Memorial Submarine S-56 Museum and the iconic bridge over the Golden Horn Bay to feel the authentic marine atmosphere.

The Trans-Siberian Railway journey is not just a train ride; it is truly a lifetime experience! Take a look at our traveler's review - the Tsar's Gold Adventure Overview | Part 1 and Part 2, to get an understanding of what to expect on our Trans-Siberian tours.