Moscow, St. Petersburg or both?

I would agree to see both as well, if you have the time. I've been to both cities, and they are incredible, and transport between the two is simple and fast.

Both cities have enough major sites to easily fill several days. PM me for more info.

Here is a tip that I read once about Moscow, but equally applies to St. Pete: "Only plan on seeing one major site a day, if you get to do more, consider it gravy on the top." From my experience, this is spot on- transportation, red tape, and lines will eat up your time in Russia.

I've only been to St Pete. If you're an art lover this is the place you want to be. Both the Hermitage and the Russia Museum, have some of the best collections in the world. The Opera and Ballet are also world class. Also of interest is the Artillery Museum. Remember all those giant nuclear missiles you would see during May Day parades during the cold war...they're all on display here. On the outskirts of the city the various palaces are stunning Finally, St Isaac's Cathedral was one of the most beautiful places of worship I have ever seen.

As long as you're paying the hefty visa fee for Russia, why not go to both cities? I mean, you're already there. Start out in St. Petersburg and then hop a train or plane to Moscow. Also, if you're going somewhere else in Europe first, why not split up for the russian leg of the trip, unless, of course, Brendon, you're a minor and have to stay with your father. If you can only go to one city, I'd pick St. Petersburg and save Moscow for later.

I had zero problems with red tape, or lines on my visit to St Pete. Exploring the city was no different than any other city in Europe (or the world).

For what it's worth without making a laundry list, I've been to both twice, but years apart. I need to go back to St Petersburg a couple of more times -- the darn place is amazing.

I'm not sure what the red tape and line business is about -- never experienced it, and except for the first trip to each city, I was entirely on my own. And, that first trip was just with friends who knew their way around, not anybody with pull.

I agree with the person who said see both if you can. Both are amazing cities with plenty to see. However, if you have to choose one...

If you're going in the summer, St. Petersburg has "white nights" where the sun hardly sets at night. That could be cool to experience. It's also probably a bit cheaper than Moscow. It's not cheap cheap, but Moscow can a very expensive city unless you stay out of the centre completely or have friends/relatives there.