The bureaucracy associated with moving about in Russia for tourists restricts doing things on the spur of the moment. It must be planned and paid for all in advance and you get your visa. It also makes it more expensive and forces you to travel as you have already paid for, amongst the more tourist (expensive) places/hotels.

If possible, before you leave, find a Russian that is willing to help with the bureaucracy because there is only one way for a foreigner and multiple ways for Russians who can speak the language and know how to work the system. I did this and found significantly cheaper accommodation in a great Moscow location. Use this accommodation as your base and then travel with your Russian friend wherever you want on the spur of the moment. The savings you make are significant and the experience with the locals and getting your way around when you like is priceless. Need to have that Russian willing to help you out though.

It will be fun! Enjoy it. I love Russia

"iz-vi-ni-teh ya neh go-vo-royu po-roossky., mog-ly by vy mneh poh-moch" It is courteous form.

Помоги мне (Pomogi mne).

Hope this is useful