In total, 11 cities in Russia’s western half are available to host the 64 games during the 2018 FIFA World Cup. The host cities range widely and include the majestic cities of Samara and Saint Petersburg in addition to the capital city of Russia, Moscow. Ekaterinburg, Saransk, Volgograd, Sochi, Rostov-on-Don, Nizhny Novgorod, Kazan, and Kaliningrad are additional host cities.
Let’s take a look at a few of the top cities fans will visit while watching this epic event:
Moscow
Moscow, which has a population of over 16 million, is the biggest city in Russia. The architecture in this city is a pleasing blend of old and new. Red Square is the most popular tourist destination, but there are many other sights to see all over this enormous city. Despite the misconception that Moscow is a cold and icy place, it actually has a mild climate that is ideal for sightseeing and watching sporting events.
Sochi
On the Black Sea, there is a popular resort town called Sochi. The 2014 Winter Olympics were one of many sporting events that this city has hosted before. As a top vacation spot, this city has a lot to offer visitors, including dining establishments, museums, a vibrant nightlife, and wildlife excursions. Additionally, the region offers fantastic hiking opportunities with beautiful scenery like waterfalls, which is great for the adventurous.
Samara
With a beach that runs the entire length of the city, Samara is one of the most distinctive cities in all of Russia. The summer months are ideal for traveling to this location. There are numerous other attractions available for visitors who don’t want to spend their time at the beach, such as the Aviation Institute and numerous structures that showcase former Soviet architectural styles.
Saint Petersburg
The second-largest city in Russia, Saint Petersburg, which has long served as a source of inspiration for poets, writers, and artists, can be explored during a trip there. It is home to some of the best historical treasures in the nation, such as the Winter Palace complex, the Hermitage Museum, and a number of renowned cathedrals. Saint Petersburg is a very diverse city that is dotted with baroque structures, rivers, and canals that run through the area and can be easily crossed using one of the many charming bridges.
Overall, there are a ton of attractions to see in the various host cities across Russia to make the World Cup experience even more enjoyable.