10 ideas for where to go for the May holidays

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

A life hacker will help you choose a direction, draw up a cultural program and estimate a budget.

How to relax on the May holidays

According to the production calendar, in 2020, Russians will rest from May 1 to May 5, and then from May 9 to 11. If you take three days off between holidays, then you can go on a big trip for 11 days. But it will be possible to fly on vacation for 5 days.

In this list, Lifehacker has collected directions that will appeal to different people: those who do not like to sit still, want interesting excursions and walks, and those who just dream to bask in the sun by the sea.

In each city, we have selected several interesting places that are worth seeing. The budget was calculated for two adults traveling from Moscow and spending 1,000 rubles a day on food.

1. St. Petersburg, Russia

Few cities can compete with St. Petersburg in the number of art galleries and museums, palaces and monuments.

What to see

• Hermitage Museum. It will take at least 11 years to go around all the halls of the museum, stopping at each exhibit for at least one minute. Therefore, we advise you to choose a few of the most interesting expositions.
• Peterhof. The museum and park complex located in the outskirts of the city is an excellent place for a walk. There is something to see: fountains, gardens, palaces, sculptures. You can walk around the entire territory in 5 hours at a leisurely stroll.
• Drawbridges. Check the wiring schedule and head to the bridge. For example, to the Palace, which connects the city center and Vasilievsky Island.

Budget for two

• Airplane tickets from Moscow and back - from 9 960 rubles.
• Round-trip tickets for the Sapsan train - 20,032 rubles.
• Accommodation for two per night - from 425 rubles.
• Tickets to the Hermitage - 1,660 rubles.
• Sightseeing tour of St. Petersburg - about 1,400 rubles.

It turns out that a 5-day trip from Moscow will cost two adults at least 30,000 rubles (tickets for the Sapsan, hostel, excursions, 1,000 rubles a day for food). If you allocate 11 days, cook 40,000 rubles.

2. Baikal, Russia

Calm rest against the backdrop of unique natural places.

What to see

• The coast of Lake Baikal. In spring, the water in the lake is so clear that the bottom can be seen at a depth of 40 meters. In addition, May is ideal to see the Baikal seals that come ashore during the moulting period.
• Shamanka rock on Olkhon island. It offers an excellent view of the entire lake. It was here that shamans performed their mysterious rituals, so the entire rock is dotted with ancient inscriptions and images of tambourines.
• Chivyrkuisky Bay. A place for fishing and camping. The bay cuts into the land for 25 kilometers, along the entire coast there are many shallow bays. There are also archaeological sites here: sites from the Neolithic period, ancient settlements and burial grounds.

Budget for two

• Airplane tickets from Moscow and back - from 32,800 rubles.
• Regular bus to the village of Khuzhir (3 km to Olkhon Island) - from 1,008 rubles.
• Excursions around Lake Baikal - from 300 rubles.
• Accommodation in the village of Khuzhir per night - from 1,080 rubles.

If you take a couple of not the most expensive excursions, an independent 5-day trip will cost about 45,000 rubles. If you go for 11 days, get ready to spend 60,000 rubles.

On the Internet, you can order an excursion tour for two from Irkutsk to Olkhon Island for 5 days. It will include transfer Irkutsk - Listvyanka - Olkhon - Irkutsk, dinners, accommodation at a tourist center, guided walking tours.

3. Golden Ring, Russia

The route passes through the ancient cities of Moscow, Vladimir, Ivanovo, Kostroma, Yaroslavl, Ryazan and Kaluga regions, where historical monuments and centers of crafts have been preserved.

What to see

• Trinity-Sergius Lavra in Sergiev Posad. This is the largest male monastery in the Russian Orthodox Church. On the territory of the Lavra, 50 historical buildings have been preserved in their original form.
• Museum of Wooden Architecture in Suzdal. In the open air, local historians have recreated not only the appearance of wooden buildings of the 17th – 18th centuries, but also the life of peasants and merchants of that time.
• Golden Gate in Vladimir. An architectural monument of the XII century, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Budget for two

It's better to buy a tour here. You can choose the program to your liking. The price usually includes accommodation and two meals a day (breakfast, lunch).

4. Tbilisi, Georgia

You need to go to Tbilisi to look at modern and ancient architecture, taste real khinkali and khachapuri and bring Georgian wines home. A plane from Moscow reaches Tbilisi in just 2.5 hours. You do not need to get a visa in advance: a mark in your passport will be delivered free of charge at the airport.

Catering in Georgia is really well developed: prices are moderate (lunch costs the same or cheaper than in Russia), portions are large, and it is difficult to find a place where they cook tasteless.

What to see

• Cala. The old town at the foot of Mount Mtatsminda: narrow winding streets, old brick buildings, ancient monuments. An atmospheric place to walk.
• Bridge of Peace. Made of blue glass, it connects the Old and New Towns. It offers a beautiful view.
• Narikala fortress. You can climb to Narikala, to the very top of Mtatsminda, by cable car - at the same time you will admire Tbilisi from a height. On the spot, you can wander along the fortress walls and winding paths, look at the monument "Mother of Kartli". But the view of the city is especially impressive.

Budget for two

• Airplane tickets from Moscow and back - from 33 656 rubles.
• Accommodation for two per night - from 289 rubles.
• The cable car ride up and down - 300 rubles.

In general, a trip to Georgia for 5 days will cost about 40,000 rubles. If you decide to go for 11 days, you will have to spend about 50,000 rubles.

5. Helsinki, Finland

Quiet and pleasant city in a European style. As a rule, there are no problems with a visa: the usual one is done in 6-9 days, the urgent one (for nonresidents who come to Moscow for a visa) - in 2 working days. You can get to Helsinki by car, plane, ferry.

What to see

• Suomenlinna. A sea bastion fortress on six islands, which can only be reached by water. There are hotels and cafes on the islands. Excursions are organized for the curious.
• Monument to composer Jan Sibelius. A very unusual structure made of steel pipes with a strange shape. They say that when the wind blows, you can even hear music.
• Design district. This is a very interesting area of Helsinki, where people of creative professions have settled. This means that instead of standard souvenirs, you can bring home interesting things: ceramics, textiles, furniture, antiques and vintage items.

Budget for two

• Airplane tickets from Moscow and back - from 34,902 rubles.
• Accommodation for two per night - from 2 805 rubles.
• 2 visas: consular fee - 5,212 rubles, service fee of the visa center - 3,984 rubles.

A trip for 5 days will cost you about 63,000 rubles. If you are planning a trip for 11 days, get ready to spend 89,000 rubles.

6. Venice, Italy

The concentration of attractions in Venice is so high that it is almost impossible to see everything in a couple of days. Well, you have to try. Venice is not only history, but also a pleasant climate, delicious Italian cuisine and, of course, canals. The most suitable place for a romantic weekend.

What to see

• Grand Canal. The Grand Canal is the city's main street with the most beautiful buildings. True, there is practically no land there: you have to move along the facades of buildings. And on a river tram, taxi or gondola, you can take a walk along the canal itself.
• St. Mark's Cathedral. The most visited temple in Venice, an example of Byzantine architecture. For 5 euros you can go up to the observation deck and see the city from above. The inside of San Marco is interesting too. There are, for example, ancient mosaics or a golden altar made of icons and precious stones.
• Theater of the opera "La Fenice". Carmen, La Traviata, La Bohème and other great operas can be seen in beautiful scenery and performed by professional actors. It is better to book tickets in advance.

Budget for two

• Airplane tickets from Moscow and back - from 38,009 rubles.
• Accommodation for two per night - from 3 654 rubles.
• Tickets for an opera performance in La Fenice start at 12,540 rubles.
• 2 visas - 9 418 rubles with all fees.

Travel and accommodation are quite expensive. Therefore, for an independent 5-day trip for two, you will have to pay at least 85,000 rubles. For 11 days, get ready to give 116,000 rubles.

7. Lisbon, Portugal

It is worth going to Lisbon in May, if only because there is still no influx of tourists. But there are hospitable Portuguese, patios and fado music in small cafes.

What to see

• Torri di Belen. Bastion tower at the mouth of the Tagus River, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Wonders of Portugal. Here you can see a collection of ancient cannons, a statue of the Madonna of the Seafarers and unique stone carvings.
• Baixa area. After the earthquake, nothing remained of the medieval Baishi, so the area was rebuilt in the same Pombalino architectural style. Today Baisha is very popular with tourists, there are many cafes, shops, souvenir shops and attractions.
• Lisbon Oceanarium. One of the largest in the world, shaped like an aircraft carrier. There is a huge collection of marine fish, birds, mammals - only 16,000 individuals. It will appeal to both children and adults.

Budget for two

• Airplane tickets from Moscow and back - from 45,957 rubles.
• Accommodation for two per night - from 1 158 rubles.
• 2 visas: consular fee - 5,218 rubles, service fee of the visa center - 3,872 rubles.

A budget 5-day trip to Lisbon will cost you 66,000 rubles, for 11 days - 81,000 rubles.

8. Prague, Czech Republic

A beautiful city in the center of Europe with ancient architecture and affordable prices for housing and food. A trip to Prague is worth at least to try the famous beer and delicious Czech cuisine: goulash with dumplings, pancakes and Wenceslas sausage.

What to see

• The Charles Bridge. It connects the districts of Stare Mesto and Mala Strana and is the main attraction of Prague. Both locals and tourists love to walk here. One of the towers has an observation deck from which you can see the whole of Prague.
• Prague Castle. A place that can be called the Czech Kremlin. These are fortress walls with towers and loopholes surrounding the presidential residence. Guided tours include the small and large circle of Prague Castle, the Powder Tower, St. Vitus Cathedral and the art gallery.
• Dancing House. Perhaps the most unusual building in all of Prague, built in the deconstructivist style. It is also called the drunken house, the glass and "Ginger and Fred" (in honor of the famous pair of dancers). There is a rooftop restaurant with panoramic city views.

Budget for two

• Airplane tickets from Moscow and back - from 36,057 rubles.
• Accommodation for two per night - from 1,757 rubles.
• 2 visas: consular fee - 5,214 rubles, service fee of the visa center - 3,724 rubles.

An independent trip for 5 days will cost you about 60,000 rubles. If you decide to go for 11 days, you will have to spend 80,000.

Prague is a popular tourist destination, so you can take a package tour with flight, breakfast and accommodation included. The cost of tours from Moscow for 5 days starts from two.

9. Cyprus

It is cool in May in Cyprus, but during the day the temperature reaches + 25 ° C, and the water near the coast warms up to + 20 ° C. But even without swimming in the sea, there is something to see and do.

A visa for Russians is issued in 1 day, the consular fee is not charged. If you are arriving in Cyprus via Larnaca or Paphos airports, you do not need a visa: the stamp will be put on the spot.

What to see

• The beaches of Protaras. A great place to admire the turquoise sea. There is a walking path along the entire coastline.
• Cape Greco. A favorite place for romantics. Yes, it is really beautiful here. Another great place for walking and leisurely relaxation.
• Old Nicosia. Nicosia is an unusual city, as it is the capital of two states at the same time: the Republic of Cyprus, where the Greeks live, and Northern Cyprus, where the Turks live. In the Greek part, ancient buildings have been preserved in almost perfect condition. The Turkish part is more lively, here it is worth wandering around the shops and markets and visiting the real Turkish baths.

Budget for two

• Airplane tickets from Moscow and back - from 40 442 rubles.
• Accommodation for two per night - from 1,476 rubles.

A budget 5-day vacation for two will cost about 55,000 rubles, an 11-day vacation - 73,000 rubles. You can buy a package tour with flight, accommodation and breakfast from 66,000 rubles.

10. Singapore

Singapore is a city-state, country and capital at the same time. It is also a clean, modern metropolis with beautiful beaches and water temperatures up to + 30 ° C in May.

Russian citizens can stay in Singapore without a visa for no more than 96 hours, that is, 4 days. But you need tickets with a fixed date of departure and a confirmed reservation at the hotel. A visa for up to 9 weeks will cost 4,000 rubles with all fees if issued in an accredited one.

What to see

• Gardens by the Bay. Steel structures in the form of trees ranging from 25 to 50 meters in height are one of the most popular attractions in Singapore. In fact, this is a vertical park, as tropical vines, ferns, orchids are planted on them. Open bridges are laid between the trees, walking along which you can see the garden with waterfalls spread out below.
• Ferris wheel. The structure is the size of a 55-storey building. From the highest point, you can not only take a look around the whole of Singapore, but also see neighboring Indonesia and Malaysia.
• Sentosa. Island 500 meters from Singapore with white sandy beaches. Here you can sunbathe and swim, as well as take a walk on the suspension bridges and ride the rides.

Budget for two

• Airplane tickets from Moscow and back - from 72,840 rubles.
• Accommodation for two per night - from 1,216 rubles.
• The cost of climbing supertrees is 600 rubles.
• A ride on the Ferris wheel - 2 800 rubles.

On average, a trip for 4 days (without a visa) will cost you 89,000 rubles. If you plan to rest for 11 days, you will have to apply for a visa. Then the trip will cost you 112,000 rubles.