Things To Do
in Novosibirsk
Novosibirsk sits on the Ob River in southwestern Siberia and is Russia's third-largest city by population, serving as a major industrial, scientific, and cultural hub. It blends grand Soviet-era architecture with modern developments and a lively riverside scene that comes alive in warmer months. The city is home to a robust arts scene, several universities, and the famed Academic Town of Akademgorodok just outside the core.
Winters are long and cold as typical for Siberia, while summers are short and pleasantly warm, inviting outdoor exploration and river activities.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day at Lenin Square, the heart of Novosibirsk, where you can admire the impressive State Academic Theater of Opera and Ballet. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the square, taking in the architectural beauty and vibrant atmosphere. Grab a traditional Russian breakfast at a nearby café, such as blini with caviar or a hearty kasha.
Visit the Novosibirsk State Museum of Local History and Nature, where you can discover fascinating exhibits about the region's history and wildlife. Afterward, take a walk along the Ob River embankment, soaking in the picturesque views of the water and surrounding cityscape. Stop for lunch at a local eatery to savor some authentic Siberian dishes, like pelmeni or borscht.
As the sun sets, explore the bustling streets near the Opera and Ballet Theater, where street performers often entertain crowds. Enjoy dinner at a restaurant specializing in Siberian cuisine, where you can try dishes like stroganina, made from frozen fish. End your night with a performance at the theater, taking in a ballet or opera that showcases the talent of Russian artists.
Start your morning at the Novosibirsk State Art Museum, home to an extensive collection of Russian and Siberian art. Wander through the galleries, admiring works from various periods and styles that reflect the rich cultural tapestry of the region. After your museum visit, enjoy a coffee break at the museum café, where you can reflect on the art you've just seen.
Head to the Siberian Birch Bark Museum to learn about the traditional craft of birch bark weaving, a skill that has been passed down through generations. Participate in a workshop to create your own birch bark souvenir, giving you a personal memento of your experience. For lunch, find a nearby café that offers traditional Russian pastries and hearty soups.
Spend your evening at the Novosibirsk Planetarium, where you can enjoy a fascinating show about the stars and the universe. Afterward, take a stroll through the nearby park, enjoying the crisp evening air and the twinkling lights of the city. Conclude your day with dinner at a rooftop restaurant, where you can savor local dishes while enjoying panoramic views of the illuminated skyline.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $7-12 |
| 🧺Groceries for 1 week | $40-70 |
| ☕Coffee in a cafe | $2-4 |
| 🚕1 km taxi ride | $0.6-1.5 |
| 🛏️1 night in mid-range hotel | $40-100 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Vibrant cultural scene with opera, theaters, museums, and academic heritage
- Wide riverfront spaces and accessible nature trips nearby
- Affordability relative to many other major Russian cities
- Strong transport links and easy access from Tolmachevo Airport
- Extremely cold winters requiring proper gear
- Some neighborhoods are spread out; plan for transit between sites
- Limited vegan/vegetarian options in traditional venues may require advance planning
- Seasonal crowds in peak summer can mean longer waits at popular spots
- "Здравствуйте" - Hello
- "Спасибо" - Thank you
- "Пожалуйста" - Please / You're welcome
- "Где метро?" - Where is the metro?
- "Сколько стоит?" - How much does it cost?
- "Вы говорите по-английски?" - Do you speak English?
- "Можно счёт?" - Can I have the bill?
- "Я не говорю по-русски" - I don’t speak Russian
Places to Visit in Novosibirsk
Visit one of these nice places.
A striking example of modernist design with luminous facades and grand interiors; ideal for exterior architecture shots by day and dramatic interior photography when performances are on.
A prominent Orthodox church with ornate domes and a sense of solemn grandeur; great for exterior shots and golden hour lighting.
Wide promenades along the river offering sunset and night reflections; a classic spot for skyline silhouettes and long-exposure photography.
Open urban space with historic buildings and statues; good for street photography and capturing everyday city life.
Food in Novosibirsk
Novosibirsk Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Siberian dumplings usually filled with meat and served with sour cream or butter; try them at markets or dedicated pelmeni houses.
Must-Try!
Beet soup rich with vegetables and sometimes meat, often enjoyed with rye bread and a dollop of sour cream.
Thinly sliced, frozen raw meat (often reindeer or beef) served cold; a traditional Arctic-Siberian delicacy found in markets and rustic eateries.
Crispy-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside fried cheese pancakes, usually served with jam or sour cream for breakfast or dessert.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling hub for produce, dairy, meat, baked goods, and ready-to-eat snacks; great for sampling local flavors and fresh ingredients.
A traditional market with stalls selling vegetables, fruits, meats, cheeses, and regional specialties; ideal for a casual lunch or snack.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A handshake is common; address people with a polite, slightly formal tone, and use surnames with titles in formal settings. In many contexts, friends are addressed by first name and patronymic.
Maintain a respectful, calm demeanor in public spaces; speak in a measured tone and avoid loud behavior in transit and quiet areas.
If visiting someone's home, bring a small gift; remove shoes when asked and follow the host’s lead on seating and food.
Safety
Tipping in Novosibirsk
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping around 5-10% at restaurants if service isn’t included; extra for exceptional service is appreciated but not mandatory.
Cash rubles and card payments are widely accepted; contactless payments (Apple Pay/Google Pay) are common in shops and cafes.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild days gradually replace snow, with muddy ground and fresh greenery; layer clothing is essential as temperatures swing.
Long days with pleasant temperatures (often in the teens to mid-20s Celsius); expect thunderstorms and outdoor events, with riverside activities at their peak.
Cool, variable weather with colorful foliage; comfortable for walks but bring warmer layers for evenings.
Long, cold, and snowy, often well below freezing; essential to dress warmly with a good coat, hat, gloves, and waterproof footwear; many attractions indoors and festive winter markets.
Novosibirsk at Night
Hiking in Novosibirsk
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Forest trail near Iskitim offering easy to moderate routes through pine and spruce with lakes and birdlife; best in late spring through early autumn.
Gentle loops through pine forests around Akademgorodok, suitable for day hikes and nature photography.
Scenic trails along the river with water views and small beach areas; seasonal and best in warmer months.
Airports
How to reach Novosibirsk by plane.
Novosibirsk’s Tolmachevo Airport serves domestic and international flights and is connected to the city by train, bus, and taxi; typical travel time to the center is 30-40 minutes depending on traffic.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A large portion of the population is connected to universities and research institutes, especially in Akademgorodok.
The majority ethnicity, with diverse regional backgrounds and a growing presence of expatriates and international students.
A mix of long-term residents and newcomers attracted by industry, education, and culture.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A popular winter sport with local teams and games that draw crowds during the season.
Local clubs and amateur leagues provide opportunities to watch or join matches in season.
Indoor and outdoor courts are available, with seasonal play depending on weather.
Pozharsky and surrounding taiga areas offer cross-country trails in winter.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Novosibirsk.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many places offer vegetable soups, salads, dumplings with cheese or mushrooms, and veggie mains; ask for meat-free broth or sauces and opt for sides like buckwheat, potatoes, and cabbage dishes.
Vegan options may be limited in some traditional venues; look for salads, grains, legumes, baked potatoes, mushrooms, and fruit-based desserts, or opt for modern bistros with plant-based dishes.
Rely on naturally gluten-free items like meat, dairy, vegetables, and rice; check for bread and sauces that may contain gluten, and ask for gluten-free options when dining out.