Yekaterinburg
One of the most idyllic spots in all of Russia, the wonderful city of Yekaterinburg is an amazing place you have to visit to see historic sites and culture.
Yekaterinburg in a nutshell
Listed by UNESCO as one of the 12 most ideal cities in the world, Yekaterinburg, capital of Russia’s Ural region, is an historic place, situated right on the Iset River on the border between Europe and Asia. The city, fourth largest in Russia, is named after the wife of Peter the Great, Yekaterina (Catherine).
With a skyline filled with modern skyscrapers, including the northernmost tower in the world, the Vysotsky Skyscraper, this city is more than just historic. But everybody heads for the old part of town when they visit, to see its impressive old buildings including landmarks like the Church on the Blood, one of the biggest churches in the country, built on the spot where the Russian Imperial family were assassinated by the Bolsheviks in July, 1918.
The city is a unique blend of East and West, another reason to visit and experience a unique culture. It’s not a pretty city, but it’s a vibrant one, the heart of arts and culture, with numerous theaters in the city, as well as Yekaterinburg’s Opera and Ballet Theater.
You’ll also discover some delights, including exquisite masterpieces by Russian artists of the 18th and 19th centuries in the city’s fabulous Museum of Fine Arts. For a completely different experience, visit the Mafia cemetery, the Shirokorechenskoye Kladbishche Cemetery, which is filled with graves with life-size sculptures of former Mafia members.
Yekaterinburg is famous for its excellent dining offerings that include everything from traditional Russian delicacies to Asian fusion dishes.
The nightlife here is vibrant too, in its many bars, nightclubs and lounges. You’ll also find a variety of outdoor sports to enjoy, including cross country skiing, hiking trails, paragliding and horse riding.
Best time to visit: As the city is close to Siberia, winters are long and cold. The summers are warm and humid, so visit between May and September.
Best Area for Sightseeing: The Red Line Follow this pedestrianized tourist route through the historic part of the city, past many famous attractions including Sevastyanov House, the Water Tower and Kharitonov Garden. There’s even a monument to the Beatles here!
Shopping in Yekaterinburg: The Chinese Market offers hundreds of stalls where you can pick up bargains and souvenirs. More upmarket shops are found on Vaynera Street in the city center.
Food & Restaurants in Yekaterinburg: You’ll find a wide choice of eateries offering different cuisines as well as traditional Russian dishes.
Nightlife: The city offers numerous bars and nightclubs, some quite hidden, so ask the locals where they suggest you should go.
Things to do in Yekaterinburg:
- Visit Ipatiev House, the spot where the Tsar and his family was massacred.
- Explore the Cathedral on the Blood, built in honor of the assassinated Imperial family.
- Bargain in the bazaar on Lenin Boulevard.
- Enjoy a stunning panoramic city view from the Vysotskiy Viewing Platform in the city’s tallest skyscraper.
- Visit the iconic Keyboard Monument in the city center.
- Explore the city’s cultural old center, the Literary Quarter.
Best way to get around: The city’s excellent public transport system includes the subway, buses, trolley buses, trams and mini buses. You can also rent a car.