Spain. It's a democracy

It's a very random question with not much info such as time of year etc. But Russia would be my choice.

In the summer, Russia. The rest of the year, Spain.

Spain

A festival? Dont know, but Ive never seen a bigger collection of dour looking people that in my brief stop in St Petersburg some 10 yrs ago. Spain for sure

Can' think of any reason I'd visit Russia other than the Hermitage in the west and the steelhead fishing in the east.

I have been to few places in Spain: Barcelona, Cadiz, Vigo, Canary Islands and Gibraltar. I have only visited St.Petersburg in Russia. St.Petersburg and Moscow are cities you want to visit in your lifetime, but if you are, you better go in summer time. I loved the history of St.Petersburg, the Russian culture and food, and all the places, museums and gardens we visited. What I loved about Spain was the warm weather, the vibrant areas, plenty of things to do in summer, walk around and explore, visit churches and popular sites...Another thing is that for St.Petersburg you will need a visa, which for us was easily done visiting with a cruise ship.
Whatever you decide, I hope you have a blast!

Russia in the summer. Spain in the winter.

Spain. IN fact, I used to have a phase when I was fascinated with Russia, read tons of Russian novels, etc (Tolstoy, etc). And I like ballet and classical music so appreciate their contributions in those arts.

But I'm not that interested in visiting the place, to be honest, nor a fan of a lot of their current culture. Logistics-wise, too much trouble for me also when there are plenty of places closer I'd rather see. I find it bizarre that they make it so difficult to visit, also, as if the rest of the world is dying to illegally emigrate to Russia or something. IN general, not a fan of any place with that many visitor restrictions and trouble. Not a fan of their cuisine that much, either. They ought to be glad if tourists want to visit them.

If you had family reasons or a special festival to go to in Russia, that would make it more attractive to you, of course.

Been to both though USSR at that time.

But, I'd boycott Russia for interfering in our elections - small boycott but nevertheless.

curious as to what kind of conference that is in Russia? You cannot reply as a newbie until after several postings - one a day or such - not sure but keep trying - what time of year would be crucial for me. I was there in October and brrrr! But tolerable.

OP's not going to a conference. S/he says it's a festival.

My experience is much the same as Christina's. Was fascinated by Russia for years, read all the classic books, etc. And up until recently had a hankering to visit St-Petersburg. But I think I'll give it a pass. Too many other places to go that aren't such a hassle, that aren't interfering in US elections, and that have better food and better weather.

Besides, I'm very fond of Spain.

I'd boycott Russia for delivering nerve agents to the streets of Salisbury. Injuring 3 Brits, 1 Russian and killing 1 Brit. All injured will have reduced life expectations. The country is run by a thug and holidaying in Russia is frankly bloody.

And, Russians interfered in both Brexit and U.S. Presidential elections with fake news and Facebook posts, etc.- two things that may well have reversed the results, and are to me terrorist actions and should be treated as an attack on us and Europeans. Russia interferes in European elections - kills pesky journalists and is so blatantly corrupt. Boycott em!

Spain

I would choose Russia because it has a rich culture and history. There are many activities you can do there besides enjoying the beautiful places of Russia.