Where to go for May holidays 2025: in Moscow Region, in Russia, and abroad

How will we spend the May holidays in 2025?

The May holidays are approaching – our favorite (and yours, we're sure, too!) spring season. It's time for trips – to the dacha, to nature, or even to another city. This year, the holidays are very conveniently divided into two blocks of four days: first, we rest from May 1 to 4, then three working days, and then holidays again from the 8th to the 11th. This is an excellent opportunity to arrange a small trip (or maybe even two!) or one long vacation. And we've already figured out where to go for the May holidays in 2025.

Where to go in Moscow Region for the May holidays

Let's start with something small and nearby. Around Moscow, there are many charming, cozy towns that you usually want to visit all the time, but constantly fail to due to more important matters. The May holidays are the perfect time to close this gestalt. You can see something new and still make it to the dacha afterward. Or maybe even visit all four? One day for each!

Zvenigorod

Just 30 km and 900 years of history. Zvenigorod has many religious structures, count them yourself: Savvino-Storozhevsky Monastery, Cathedral of the Nativity of the Theotokos, Skete of Saint Savva, Dormition Cathedral on Gorodok, Ascension Cathedral… Perhaps that's enough for one day. So if you enjoy contemplating monuments of early Moscow architecture and the complexity of their design, Zvenigorod is an excellent choice. Among the more popular attractions are Chekhov's places. The famous Russian writer lived and worked here in 1884, and the city managed to turn this fact into its 'feature'. There's a monument to Anton Pavlovich, his house, and the cafe 'Chekhov Was Here'. Your list of summer dacha reading will naturally expand with 'The Cherry Orchard' and 'The Seagull'.

What else to see: Vvedenskoye Estate, Museum of Russian Dessert, Museum 'Back to the USSR'.

Zaraysk

The smallest Kremlin in Russia is located in Zaraysk. This, however, does not prevent it from looking impressive and powerful. Behind such walls, it's truly easy to feel… well, 'as safe as houses'! In the center of the Kremlin is the Cathedral of John the Baptist, and to its side is the Church of Seraphim of Sarov. With this, we consider the Kremlin tour complete and head to the Osyotr River. A few years ago, Zaraysk won a landscaping competition among small Russian towns and, as a result, gained a beautiful embankment. A sandy beach appeared here, and a long wooden boardwalk along the bank, which just invites you for a stroll. And by no means refuse the local 'kovrizhki' – a signature type of honey gingerbread from Zaraysk.

What else to see: water tower, 'Slavich' sparkling drinks factory, old houses.

Kolomna

Kolomna also has a Kremlin, of course, so we suggest heading there first. On its territory, there are several churches (Tikhvin, Resurrection, Dormition Cathedral, and others), museums (porcelain, trams, photography), various monuments and sculptures. During the May holidays, a show of warriors on the walls and towers will be added to the classic sightseeing tours. There will even be demonstration sword fights and crossbow shooting, but only on May 3, 4, 10, and 11. On other days, the program includes a visit to the 'Kalachnaya' museum with a mini-performance, tasting, and tea ceremony, or the 'Pastila Factory'. We talked about them in more detail in the list 'What to see in Kolomna'.

What else to see: 'Fragrant Joys' Soap Museum, Samovar House, 'Kolomna Phonograph' Museum.

Korolyov

From monuments of the past to the flight of ideas into the future. Korolyov is a Soviet science city, inextricably linked with space. So everything most interesting here will concern this industry. There's the Museum of Korolyov's Recent History with materials about the work of the celebrated academician's design bureau, and the Museum of the Rocket and Space Corporation named after him. By prior arrangement, you can even visit the flight control center!

What else to see: Marina Tsvetaeva Museum in Bolshevo, Kostino Estate, Kalinin Central City Park.

Where to go in Russia for the May holidays

The May holidays 2025 are an excellent time for domestic tourism. In four days, you'll have time to visit all the most interesting places and try all the most delicious things. Plus, the weather in May is comfortable for long walks.

Saint Petersburg

Going to St. Petersburg for the May holidays is always a good idea. Even if you've been to the city many times, it always has an interesting ace up its sleeve. The mandatory program with the Hermitage, Russian Museum, and bridge openings is not so mandatory. It can easily be replaced with something more current. For example, visit the open film studio 'Lendoc' or go to Sevkabel Port for the exhibition 'Viktor Tsoi. Legend'. A great way to see the city from an unusual side is to take a tour of the courtyards and grand entrances. This way, you can visit Dovlatov's communal apartment, drink tea in Bak's house, and see a round well-courtyard on the Fontanka Embankment. In general, tickets Moscow – Saint Petersburg will definitely come in handy.

What else to see: Berthold Centre, Grand Maket Russia, Erarta Museum.

Samara

The weather in St. Petersburg is unpredictable even during the May holidays, so maybe head somewhere further south? Then grab tickets to Samara: in May, the air here warms up to +17-20 °C, perfect for a stroll along the Volga embankment. Viewing Russia's main river is offered in a comfortable setting – with benches, ornate parapets, bike paths, and sculptures. Nearby is the famous Zhigulevsky Brewery, built back in 1881 by Austrian merchant Alfred von Wakano. It's a pity that tours of the workshops have been temporarily suspended since 2022. However, you can try the signature drinks at the iconic bar 'Na Dne' (strictly 18+, we remind you that alcohol consumption is harmful to your health).

What else to see: Stalin's Bunker, Leningradskaya Street, Samarskaya Square.

Astrakhan

Can't wait to finish spring and start summer? In Astrakhan, early May will be even warmer than in Samara. The modern appearance of the city is shaped by the heritage of various peoples – Tatars, Persians, Armenians. Therefore, there are Orthodox cathedrals, mosques, and a Buddhist temple here. The first acquaintance with the city traditionally begins with the white-stone Kremlin. Then we go out to the embankment and admire the Volga. Next, we head to the 'Selenskiye Isady' market, where local fish is sold (after all, Astrakhan is Russia's fish capital). In three days, you'll have time to explore the entire city center, and on the fourth, head to Sarai-Batu. Essentially, these are former film sets for the movie 'The Horde', but they recreate the ancient capital of the Golden Horde and have become an open-air museum.

What else to see: Bolshoy Brat Dune, Tetyushinov Merchant's House, Astrakhan Opera and Ballet Theater.

Baikal

Four days are quite enough to get to Baikal. First of all, you'll need flights to Irkutsk. Secondly, our detailed guide, where we talked about what to do on Baikal, where to stay, and what to try. The main flow of tourists to the lake is in summer, so during the May holidays, there's a better chance to explore the area in peace.

What else to see: Baikal, Baikal, and Baikal again!

Where to go abroad for the May holidays

If you manage to turn three working days in the middle of the holidays into extra days off, you'll get a full 11 free days! This is enough for a complete trip abroad. All that's left is to choose where to go for the May holidays.

Belarus

Firstly, you can travel here without a foreign passport. Secondly, air and rail connections with the country work like clockwork. Thirdly, have you seen how beautiful it is there? We've already told you what to see in Minsk, but the long May holidays in 2025 provide an opportunity to get acquainted with the country beyond its capital. For example, do you know how many castles there are in Belarus? Mir, Nesvizh, Lida, Puslovsky Palace, Rumyantsev‑Paskevich Palace. And that's not the whole list! You can also take an excursion to Belovezhskaya Pushcha (you cannot enter with your own transport) or go to the famous Brest Fortress. Vitebsk, Grodno, Gomel – your May holiday plans will be grand.

Turkey

To the question 'where can you fly from Russia on a direct flight?', the first answer is Turkey. Here you'll find a vacation option for every taste: take flights to Istanbul and you'll walk and shop, or go to Antalya and spend early May on a sun lounger. But be careful: many hotels turn off pool heating at the end of April. And although the air warms up to +20–27 °C in May, this might not be enough for comfortable swimming. But all of Pamukkale will be yours!

Uzbekistan

May is a pleasant time to travel to Tashkent, Bukhara, or Samarkand. Up to +25 °C – almost summer! There are direct flights, no entry visas, and the flight is only about four hours. In a week in Uzbekistan, you can see several cities and all their main attractions. We talked about Tashkent in detail here, and about Samarkand – here.

Egypt

When you crave the simple, understandable 'lie by the pool and do nothing', it's the allure of Egyptian resorts speaking to you. In May, Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh welcome tourists with comfortable air temperatures, warm sea, and plenty of free sun loungers on the beach. However, we still advise you to pay close attention to the weather forecast. In some regions, strong winds pick up in May, and this warning should not be ignored. However, if you want to master kitesurfing, such weather will only be to your advantage!

Of course, these are far from all the places you can fly to for the May holidays in 2025. Kupi.com always knows even more great destinations!

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