What to do in Russia if you don't care about the FIFA World Cup

Saint Basil's Cathedal in Moscow's Red Square. Photo / Getty Images

With the football World Cup under way in the Motherland, Sara Dajani looks at how non-sport lovers can get the best out of Russia.

1. The wildlife

Take a hike at Lake Baikal, the oldest and deepest lake in the world, which has 20 per cent of the world's fresh water. Or visit Mount Elbrus, the highest mountain in Europe— you can explore the dormant volcano by hiking or cable car. Otherwise take a trip out to the Curonian Spit, which is a 98km long sand dune on the edge of the Baltic Sea and is a stunning sight to see.

2. The galleries

Spend the entire day at Moscow Kremlin and see the intrinsic architecture of the palaces, where many of Russia's powerful residents have lived. Walk through the Armoury Chamber, where lethal weapons are stored, and where the royal family's most treasured jewellery and household items are now kept. Or visit the Tretyakov Gallery, home to some of Russia's finest and most intricate art pieces.

3. Museums

You could spend days walking the halls of the Hermitage Museum and still not see all the 3 million items on display. Located in Saint Petersburg, it is the second-largest art and culture museum in the world. Make a point of seeing Michelangelo's Crouching Boy masterpiece and the Madonna Litta and Benois Madonna by Leonardo Da Vinci.

4. The culture

Open since 1561, St Basil's Cathedral, in Moscow's Red Square, has a unique design to resemble fire flames, and is one ofthe most photographed sites in Russia. Its eight churches represent Russia's 13th century victories against the nomadic group, the Tatars. You can also visit one ofthe top tourist sites in Moscow, the Novodevichy Cemetery—aunique graveyard where many prominent Russians are buried.

5. The restaurants

Make a visit to Cafe Pushkin, a beautifully designed restaurant open 24 hours a day that looks like a 19th century mansion. Try its traditional delicacies as well as having a great cultural experience. Uzbekistan is one of Moscow's oldest restaurants opened in 1951, serving flavoursome Uzbek dishes while belly dancers perform. Mari Vanna is another elaborately decorated restaurant with bookshelves and ornaments that serves traditional favourites such as stroganoff and borscht.