Articles > Geography
Ready to take on the Russia Largest Cities or Russia Cities Blackout quizzes? Then you’ll need to know the 25 largest cities in Russia.
Moscow – 13,010,112
Moscow, the capital of Russia, is a sprawling metropolis rich in history, culture, and architectural grandeur. It is renowned for the Kremlin, Red Square, and Saint Basil’s Cathedral, iconic landmarks that tell the story of Moscow’s imperial and Soviet past. Moscow is a hub of political, economic, and scientific activity, and it houses some of Russia’s most prestigious institutions. With a highly developed transportation network and a rapidly modernizing infrastructure, Moscow remains a powerhouse city, attracting millions of visitors and residents each year.
Interesting Fact:
Moscow has the highest concentration of billionaires in the world, making it a major financial center.
St. Petersburg – 5,601,911
St. Petersburg, known as the cultural capital of Russia, is famed for its breathtaking architecture, palaces, and museums. Established by Tsar Peter the Great, the city is often called the “Venice of the North” for its extensive network of canals and grand European architecture. Notable sites include the Hermitage Museum, the Winter Palace, and the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood. The city holds an essential place in Russian history and continues to be a center of art, music, and education.
Interesting Fact:
St. Petersburg experiences the “White Nights” phenomenon, with nearly continuous daylight during the summer.
Novosibirsk – 1,633,595
Novosibirsk is the largest city in Siberia and the third-largest in Russia. Founded in 1893, it grew rapidly as a key transit point on the Trans-Siberian Railway. Known for its rich academic culture, Novosibirsk is home to several research institutes and the Novosibirsk State University. The city has a vibrant arts scene, with notable institutions such as the Novosibirsk Opera and Ballet Theatre, the largest theater building in Russia, adding to its cultural landscape.
Interesting Fact:
Novosibirsk hosts a scientific community so large that its “Akademgorodok” area is a city of scientists within the city.
Yekaterinburg – 1,544,376
Yekaterinburg is a prominent industrial and cultural center in the Ural region. Known for its significant role in Russian history, it is the place where the last Russian Tsar, Nicholas II, and his family were executed. Today, the city blends historical sites with modern architecture and cultural venues, and it serves as a key location for industries like metallurgy and engineering. Yekaterinburg is also a gateway between Europe and Asia, symbolized by monuments marking the continental divide.
Interesting Fact:
Yekaterinburg has a towering statue of Vladimir Lenin, the largest of its kind in the region.
Kazan – 1,308,660
Kazan, the capital of Tatarstan, is one of Russia’s most culturally diverse cities, blending Russian and Tatar influences. Known as the “Third Capital of Russia,” Kazan is famous for its religious and cultural harmony, where mosques and Orthodox churches stand side by side. The Kazan Kremlin, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a must-visit, featuring the iconic Qol Sharif Mosque and the Soyembika Tower. Kazan is a major sports and educational hub, home to world-class universities and stadiums that have hosted major international events.
Interesting Fact:
Kazan is over 1,000 years old, making it older than Moscow, and it celebrated its millennium in 2005.
Nizhny Novgorod – 1,226,076
Nizhny Novgorod, located at the confluence of the Volga and Oka Rivers, is a historic city known for its well-preserved Kremlin and the stunning views from its riverside cliffs. It played a significant role in Russian trade during the Middle Ages and later became a major industrial center. Today, it is a cultural hub with numerous theaters, museums, and art galleries. The city is also known for hosting the annual Gorky Fest, which celebrates Russian literature and theater.
Interesting Fact:
Nizhny Novgorod was once closed to foreigners during the Soviet era due to its strategic importance in military manufacturing.
Chelyabinsk – 1,189,525
Chelyabinsk, located near the Ural Mountains, is a prominent industrial city known for its steel and metallurgy industries. The city has a unique landscape, with picturesque lakes and dense forests surrounding its urban areas. Chelyabinsk gained international attention in 2013 when a meteor exploded in the atmosphere, causing widespread damage and an awe-inspiring spectacle. In addition to its industrial importance, Chelyabinsk has a strong cultural scene, with theaters, museums, and a notable philharmonic hall.
Interesting Fact:
Chelyabinsk was dubbed the “City of Tanks” for its role in producing tanks during World War II.
Krasnoyarsk – 1,187,771
Krasnoyarsk, situated on the Yenisei River in Siberia, is known for its stunning natural beauty, with vast forests and mountainous terrain nearby. The city serves as a gateway to the Krasnoyarsk Stolby Nature Reserve, famous for its unique rock formations and scenic hiking trails. Krasnoyarsk has a diverse cultural life, including a renowned ballet company, and it celebrates its heritage with numerous festivals. It is also an important center for the aluminum industry, contributing significantly to Russia’s economy.
Interesting Fact:
Krasnoyarsk is home to the largest hydroelectric dam in Russia, which provides power to much of Siberia.
Samara – 1,173,299
Samara, located on the Volga River, is a historical and industrial city with deep ties to Russia’s space industry. It is home to the Samara Space Museum and has a rich history of aerospace engineering. During World War II, Samara served as a “backup capital” in case of an attack on Moscow. The city is known for its vibrant riverfront, which is a popular destination for residents and tourists alike. Samara also hosts an annual jazz festival that draws musicians from around the world.
Interesting Fact:
The Soyuz spacecraft, which transported the first human to space, was built in Samara.
Ufa – 1,144,809
Ufa, the capital of the Republic of Bashkortostan, is an industrial and cultural center known for its oil refining and petrochemical industries. Surrounded by the Ural Mountains, Ufa is a picturesque city with green spaces and scenic landscapes. It is home to a diverse population, including a significant number of Bashkirs, and the city celebrates this heritage with events and festivals that highlight Bashkir music, dance, and cuisine. Ufa also boasts impressive architectural landmarks, such as the Lyalya Tulpan Mosque.
Interesting Fact:
Ufa is one of Russia’s most environmentally green cities, with abundant parks and natural reserves.
Rostov-on-Don – 1,142,162
Rostov-on-Don, often simply called Rostov, is a major port city in southern Russia, situated on the Don River near the Sea of Azov. Known as the “Gateway to the Caucasus,” Rostov is a key transportation and trade center. It is famous for its Cossack heritage and has a lively cultural scene, with theaters, museums, and festivals celebrating this unique identity. The city’s rich culinary tradition, particularly its seafood, reflects its location near the river and the Black Sea.
Interesting Fact:
Rostov-on-Don hosted several matches during the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
Omsk – 1,125,695
Omsk, one of the oldest cities in Siberia, was historically a fortress and trading post along the Irtysh River. Known for its blend of Russian and Siberian cultures, Omsk features many historic churches, theaters, and museums. The city has a strong industrial base, particularly in oil refining and manufacturing. Omsk is also known for its unique Siberian architecture, such as the Assumption Cathedral and the Omsk Drama Theater, both of which attract visitors interested in Russian history and culture.
Interesting Fact:
Fyodor Dostoevsky, the renowned Russian writer, spent four years in a prison camp in Omsk, an experience that influenced his work.
Krasnodar – 1,099,344
Krasnodar, located in southern Russia near the Black Sea, is known for its warm climate and agricultural output. Often referred to as the “Southern Capital of Russia,” Krasnodar is a thriving economic and cultural center with an active nightlife, modern shopping centers, and a growing IT sector. The city’s economy is bolstered by its proximity to fertile lands, making it a key region for Russia’s agricultural industry. Krasnodar is also known for its parks, botanical gardens, and vibrant street art.
Interesting Fact:
Krasnodar’s Galitsky Park is one of the most impressive urban parks in Russia, designed with innovative landscapes and artistic installations.
Voronezh – 1,057,681
Voronezh, located on the banks of the Voronezh River in southwestern Russia, is a city with a rich history that dates back to the early 16th century. Known as the birthplace of the Russian navy, Voronezh played a crucial role during Peter the Great’s reign, where the first naval shipyard was established. Today, Voronezh is a significant cultural and educational center, home to multiple universities, theaters, and museums. The city’s proximity to Moscow and well-developed infrastructure have made it a hub for industry and commerce.
Interesting Fact:
Voronezh was heavily damaged in World War II, but its residents quickly rebuilt the city, restoring it as an industrial powerhouse.
Perm – 1,034,002
Perm is located on the western slopes of the Ural Mountains and serves as an important cultural and industrial city in Russia. Known for its rich art scene, Perm has a vibrant cultural life, with numerous theaters, art galleries, and museums. The city is also famous for the “Perm Animal Style,” an ancient artistic style featuring animal motifs. Perm’s economy is fueled by heavy industries, including machinery, oil refining, and chemical manufacturing. The Kama River, which flows through the city, adds to its scenic beauty and is a popular spot for boating and fishing.
Interesting Fact:
Perm hosts the Diaghilev Festival, an annual arts event honoring the legendary ballet impresario Sergei Diaghilev, who was born nearby.
Volgograd – 1,028,036
Volgograd, formerly known as Stalingrad, is a city with a powerful history, best known for the Battle of Stalingrad during World War II, one of the most pivotal battles in the war. Today, Volgograd commemorates this history with various memorials, including the towering “Motherland Calls” statue, one of the largest statues in the world. Located on the Volga River, the city is a major industrial center with a focus on machinery, steel production, and oil refining. Its historic sites draw visitors from around the globe.
Interesting Fact:
The “Motherland Calls” statue in Volgograd stands at 85 meters (279 feet), symbolizing the Soviet victory in the Battle of Stalingrad.
Saratov – 901,361
Saratov, located on the Volga River, is known for its historic architecture, scenic landscapes, and academic institutions. The city has long been an educational center, with some of Russia’s oldest universities. Saratov is also home to the Radishchev Art Museum, one of the first public art museums in Russia, which houses an extensive collection of Russian and European art. With a diverse cultural scene, Saratov celebrates its heritage through theater, ballet, and opera, making it a hub for the arts.
Interesting Fact:
Saratov was once closed to foreigners during the Soviet era due to its strategic military significance.
Tyumen – 847,488
Tyumen is Siberia’s oldest Russian settlement and serves as the gateway to Siberia’s vast oil and gas reserves. Known as the “Oil Capital of Russia,” Tyumen has experienced rapid development, transforming into a modern and prosperous city. The Tyumen embankment along the Tura River is a popular attraction, offering stunning views and recreational spaces. Tyumen’s economy is driven by the oil and gas industry, and the city has a high standard of living, with well-developed infrastructure and a focus on technology and innovation.
Interesting Fact:
Tyumen’s embankment is known for its unique multi-level design, making it a popular spot for tourists and locals alike.
Tolyatti – 684,709
Tolyatti, located on the banks of the Volga River, is best known as the headquarters of AvtoVAZ, Russia’s largest car manufacturer, which produces the iconic Lada brand. Founded as a fortress in the 18th century, Tolyatti underwent significant expansion during the Soviet era due to industrialization. The city has a mix of Soviet-era architecture and green spaces, including the Tolyatti Central Park. Its economy revolves around the automotive industry, and Tolyatti continues to play a key role in Russia’s automotive sector.
Interesting Fact:
Tolyatti was named after the Italian communist leader Palmiro Togliatti, reflecting the Soviet Union’s ties with Italy’s Communist Party.
Barnaul – 630,877
Barnaul, located in southwestern Siberia, is a city known for its picturesque landscapes and proximity to the Altai Mountains. The city has a rich history of mining and metallurgy, with industries in copper and silver dating back to the 18th century. Today, Barnaul is a cultural center, with a range of museums, theaters, and festivals celebrating Siberian traditions. The city is also a popular starting point for outdoor adventures, including hiking and skiing in the nearby Altai region.
Interesting Fact:
Barnaul has one of the coldest climates among Russia’s major cities, with winter temperatures often dropping well below freezing.
Izhevsk – 623,472
Izhevsk is the capital of the Udmurt Republic and is known as the birthplace of the AK-47, designed by Mikhail Kalashnikov. This industrial city has a strong association with weapons manufacturing, with factories that produce firearms, machinery, and military equipment. Izhevsk also has a thriving cultural scene, with theaters, museums, and music festivals. The Kalashnikov Museum is a popular tourist attraction, showcasing the legacy of one of the world’s most famous assault rifles.
Interesting Fact:
Izhevsk is often called “The Armory of Russia” due to its significant contribution to Russia’s defense industry.
Makhachkala – 623,254
Makhachkala is the capital of the Republic of Dagestan, located on the western shore of the Caspian Sea. Known for its diverse ethnic makeup, Makhachkala is home to many different cultures, including Avars, Dargins, Kumyks, and Lezgins. The city’s landscape is unique, with mountains, rivers, and the Caspian coastline. Makhachkala has a bustling marketplace and is an important center for trade and industry in the North Caucasus. The city also has a distinct culinary culture, reflecting Dagestan’s multicultural heritage.
Interesting Fact:
Makhachkala is one of the most ethnically diverse cities in Russia, with over 30 different ethnic groups living in the region.
Khabarovsk – 617,441
Khabarovsk is located in the Russian Far East, near the Chinese border. Known for its scenic riverfront along the Amur River, Khabarovsk is a cultural and administrative center in the region. The city’s landscape features beautiful bridges, parks, and historical buildings, making it a popular spot for tourists. Khabarovsk has a diverse economy, with industries ranging from food processing to machinery manufacturing. The city’s close proximity to China makes it an important hub for trade and cultural exchange.
Interesting Fact:
Khabarovsk has a vibrant riverfront, with festivals and performances that attract visitors from across the region.
Ulyanovsk – 617,352
Ulyanovsk, located on the Volga River, is the birthplace of Vladimir Lenin, the founder of the Soviet Union. The city has a strong historical and cultural heritage, with multiple museums dedicated to Lenin and the Soviet era. Ulyanovsk’s economy includes aerospace, automotive, and machinery industries, with well-established manufacturing infrastructure. The city also has scenic river views, parks, and architectural landmarks, making it a destination for history enthusiasts.
Interesting Fact:
Ulyanovsk was formerly known as Simbirsk and was renamed in honor of Lenin, whose original surname was Ulyanov.
Irkutsk – 617,264
Irkutsk is located in southeastern Siberia, near the iconic Lake Baikal, the deepest and oldest freshwater lake in the world. Known as the “Paris of Siberia,” Irkutsk boasts a unique blend of Russian and Asian cultures, reflected in its architecture and lifestyle. The city is famous for its wooden houses, historic churches, and vibrant arts scene. Irkutsk serves as a major transit hub for travelers heading to Lake Baikal and offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking and ice fishing in winter. The city’s educational institutions, particularly in engineering and natural sciences, attract students from across the country.
Interesting Fact:
Irkutsk is often referred to as the “Gateway to Baikal,” and it hosts the annual Baikal Ice Marathon, one of the most extreme marathons in the world.
