Things To Do
in Kolomna
Kolomna is a historic town in Moscow Oblast on the confluence of the Moskva and Oka rivers, best known for its well-preserved Kolomna Kremlin and charming old streets. The town combines medieval architecture, museums (including a museum dedicated to the local sweet pastila), and riverside promenades that make it a popular short escape from Moscow. Kolomna’s compact center, churches with colorful domes, and wooden merchant houses give it an intimate, small-town Russian atmosphere.
Throughout the year it offers cultural festivals, seasonal river views, and easy access to natural areas in the surrounding countryside.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day with a stroll through the charming streets of Kolomna's historic center, where colorful wooden houses and traditional architecture beckon. Visit the Kolomna Kremlin, a 16th-century fortress, and admire its impressive towers and walls. Stop by a local café for a hearty breakfast of traditional Russian pancakes, known as blini, accompanied by fresh jam.
After lunch, head to the Museum of Samovar to learn about the history of this iconic Russian tea-making device. Spend your afternoon wandering through the local artisan shops, where you can find handmade crafts and souvenirs. Don't forget to try some local delicacies, like Kolomna pastila, a sweet treat made from fruit.
As the sun sets, take a leisurely walk along the Moscow River, enjoying the beautiful views of the water and the surrounding landscape. Dine at a cozy restaurant offering authentic Russian cuisine, sampling dishes like borscht and pelmeni. End your day with a visit to the Kolomna State Historical and Architectural Museum for an evening tour, where you can hear captivating stories about the city's past.
Start your day with a visit to the Kolomna Museum of Local Lore, where you can discover the rich history and culture of the region through fascinating exhibits. Engage with knowledgeable staff who can share stories about Kolomna's past and its significance in Russian history. Afterward, take some time to explore the surrounding park, enjoying the serene atmosphere.
In the afternoon, make your way to the Kolomna Art Gallery, showcasing works from local artists and historical pieces. Participate in a workshop if available, where you can create your own artistic masterpiece inspired by Kolomna's scenery. Enjoy a light lunch at a nearby café, sampling local pastries and coffee.
As the evening approaches, head to the local theater for a performance, whether it be a play, ballet, or concert, immersing yourself in the cultural scene. After the show, share your thoughts over dinner at a nearby restaurant, discussing the performances and the local art scene. Conclude your night with a leisurely walk back to your accommodation, enjoying the peaceful ambiance of the city.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $7-12 |
| ☕Coffee in a café | $2-4 |
| 🛏️Budget hotel / guesthouse (per night) | $25-60 |
| 🚕Local taxi ride (short) | $3-8 |
| 🎟️Museum entry or small attraction | $2-8 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Well-preserved medieval Kremlin and historical architecture
- Compact, walkable center with rich cultural museums and local food specialties (pastila)
- Picturesque riverside scenery and easy day trips from Moscow
- Quieter, authentic small-town Russian atmosphere
- Limited nightlife and fewer international dining options compared with major cities
- Seasonal closures and reduced opening hours in winter for some attractions
- Language barrier—English is less commonly spoken outside tourist sites
- Fewer public transport options within the region at late hours
- "Здравствуйте (Zdravstvuyte)" - Hello (formal)
- "Спасибо (Spasibo)" - Thank you
- "Пожалуйста (Pozhaluysta)" - Please / You’re welcome
- "Где находится Кремль? (Gde nakhoditsya Kreml?)" - Where is the Kremlin?
- "Сколько стоит? (Skol'ko stoit?)" - How much does it cost?
- "Говорите ли вы по-английски? (Govorite li vy po-angliyski?)" - Do you speak English?
- "Помогите, пожалуйста (Pomogite, pozhaluysta)" - Please help
Places to Visit in Kolomna
Visit one of these nice places.
Picturesque red-brick walls, towers and the Assumption Cathedral provide classic shots of Russian medieval architecture; best at golden hour or under snow for dramatic contrast.
Riverside views of the Kremlin from across the water, reflections in calm weather and lively scenes along the promenade—good for sunset and long exposures.
Colorful interiors, close-ups of confection-making and displays of traditional tools make for charming food and cultural photography.
Narrow lanes, wooden merchant houses and small churches offer intimate street scenes and architectural details.
Traditional onion domes, frescoed interiors and courtyard views—photograph the Assumption Cathedral and smaller parish churches for religious architecture.
When snow falls, the Kremlin and old town take on a fairytale quality—use wide-angle lenses and bring warm batteries.
Food in Kolomna
Kolomna Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A traditional Kolomna fruit confection made from baked apples (and sometimes berries), whipped and dried into a light marshmallow-like treat; try it at the Pastila Museum shop and local confectioneries.
Must-Try!
Dumplings filled with meat (pelmeni) or potatoes/cheese/berries (vareniki); available in many family-style restaurants and cafés throughout town.
Classic Russian soups—cabbage shchi and beetroot borscht—served in local eateries often with sour cream and rye bread.
Hearty porridges and millet-based dishes served at traditional-style restaurants; good for a warming, filling meal.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Small markets and street stalls near the center sell fresh produce, baked goods, smoked fish and seasonal berries; try blini (thin pancakes) and pirozhki (stuffed buns) from vendors.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Use a polite greeting (Здравствуйте — Zdravstvuyte) when entering shops or meeting people; handshakes are common in formal introductions among men and close acquaintances.
Hosts may ask guests to remove outdoor shoes at home—bring clean socks and be prepared to take shoes off at private residences.
When visiting churches, dress modestly (cover shoulders and knees); women may be expected to cover their heads in some churches.
Russians can be direct in conversation—don’t be surprised by frank opinions; however, public politeness and respect for elders are valued.
Always ask before photographing people, especially inside religious sites or private properties.
Safety
Tipping in Kolomna
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not strictly mandatory—leaving 5–10% in restaurants is common for good service; rounding up small bills in cafés, taxis and to hotel staff is normal. For guided tours or exceptional service, a larger tip is appropriate.
Credit and debit cards (Visa/Mastercard) are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants and larger shops; small cafés, markets and rural vendors may be cash-only. Contactless payments and mobile banking are increasingly common; carry some cash (roubles) for small purchases and markets.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm days (20–30°C) with long daylight hours—ideal for walking, river cruises and outdoor festivals. Pack light layers, sunscreen and insect repellent for riverside areas.
Cooler temperatures and colorful foliage around the Oka River and parks; mornings can be misty which is good for atmospheric photography. Bring a warm jacket and waterproof footwear for rainy days.
Cold with frequent snow (temperatures often below 0°C), offering beautiful snowy scenery around the Kremlin; dress in warm layers, insulated boots, hat and gloves. Some attractions may have reduced hours but winter festivals are common.
Variable weather—thawing rivers and budding trees, with mud in some parks. Pack layers and a waterproof outer layer; spring is quieter after the peak tourist season and good for budget travel.
Kolomna at Night
Hiking in Kolomna
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Easy, scenic trails along the river suitable for walks, birdwatching and short hikes; accessible from the town center and good for all fitness levels.
Within driving distance, the Meshchera region offers forests, lakes and marshes for longer hikes, wildlife viewing and seasonal mushroom/berry foraging; plan as a day trip with proper gear.
A network of rural tracks and country roads around Kolomna provides quiet hikes through fields and small woodlands—ideal for experiencing the countryside and rural architecture.
Airports
How to reach Kolomna by plane.
One of Moscow’s international airports, approximately 90–120 km from Kolomna (around 1.5–2 hours by car depending on traffic); accessible by taxi or private transfer.
Smaller Moscow region airport used for certain flights and events; travel time to Kolomna is similar to Domodedovo depending on route.
Moscow’s northern international airport, further from Kolomna (around 2–2.5 hours by car); reachable by private transfer or train connections into Moscow followed by onward transport.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority of Kolomna’s population are ethnic Russians; traditional Russian culture and Orthodox Christianity are prominent.
The town has many long-term residents and families, with community life centered around local institutions and churches.
A segment of residents commute to Moscow for work, blending small-town life with access to the capital’s economy.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is popular at amateur and youth levels; local teams and community matches are common.
In winter, skating and amateur hockey are popular recreational activities on rinks and frozen water bodies.
During snowy months, cross-country skiing is a common outdoor pastime in parks and nearby forests.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Kolomna.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available but less varied than in big cities—look for salads, buckwheat/kasha, vareniki with cheese or potatoes, mushroom dishes and vegetable soups. Ask staff for meat-free options (bez myasa) and carry a translation card for more complex needs.
Vegan choices can be limited; basic foods like vegetable soups, bread, buckwheat and salads are usually safe, but check for butter or sour cream. Larger cafés may accommodate requests if you explain dietary needs.
Gluten-free choices are not widespread—bring staples if you need strict avoidance. Some restaurants can offer fish, meat and vegetable dishes without bread on request.
Language barriers can complicate allergy management—carry cards in Russian listing your allergens and, if needed, prescriptions for emergency meds.