Things To Do
in Tobolsk

A clear, aromatic soup made with fresh river fish — often pike or bream — and root vegetables; commonly found in local family-style restaurants and taverns near the river.

Must-Try!

Siberian meat dumplings served with butter, sour cream or vinegar; ubiquitous and cheap — available at cafes, marketplaces and many restaurants.

Various baked goods and filled pastries (meat, potato, cabbage or sweet fillings) available from bakeries and street kiosks; great for a quick snack while exploring.

Locally prepared smoked fish or salted fillets sold at markets and small shops; a good souvenir edible item when properly packed.

Small regional market where locals buy produce, dairy, preserves and smoked fish; a good place to try local cheeses, honey and pickled vegetables. Expect simple kiosks selling pirozhki and pastries.

In summer you may find seasonal stalls along the embankment selling grilled fish, drinks and snacks — casual and fresh, best in warm months.

Handshake and direct eye contact are common in formal situations; use surnames and patronymics (e.g., Ivan Ivanovich) in business or official contexts unless invited to use first names.

Remove your shoes when entering someone’s home (hosts often provide slippers); it’s polite to bring a small gift such as sweets or flowers (avoid even numbers of flowers).

Public displays of loud behavior are frowned upon; avoid heated political discussions with strangers and be respectful when photographing people — ask permission where appropriate.

When visiting churches, dress modestly (cover shoulders and remove hats for men in some churches) and maintain quiet reverence; photography rules may vary — look for signs or ask.

Tipping is appreciated but not always obligatory; in restaurants leave around 5–10% for good service, round up taxi fares or add a small tip, and you can tip hotel porters and guides modestly. In small cafés and markets tipping is uncommon.

Cards (Visa/Mastercard) are widely accepted in restaurants and shops in town, but many smaller vendors and markets are cash-only. ATMs are available, and mobile payment apps (Yandex.Money, Sberbank Online) are used locally. Carry some cash for remote or market purchases.

Short, mild summers (June–August) are comfortable for walking, boat trips on the Irtysh and outdoor markets; mosquitoes can be an annoyance near water and in forests — bring repellent.

Crisp, colorful early autumn offers pleasant daytime temperatures but rapidly cooling evenings; shoulder-season rains are possible and daylight shortens noticeably by late October.

Long, very cold winters (November–March) with heavy snow and temperatures that can drop well below freezing; plan warm layered clothing, sturdy footwear for ice and allow extra travel time — but winter scenes are dramatic and culturally rich.

A thawing period with muddy streets and river ice break-up; by late spring the countryside greens up quickly, but early spring can be wet and unpredictable.

Easy riverside walks and trails that follow the Irtysh — good for short hikes, birdwatching and photographic stops, especially in summer and autumn.

Nearby pine and mixed-forest areas with gentle trails suitable for walking, cross-country skiing in winter and nature outings close to town.

Short drives from Tobolsk lead to open steppe and low sand ridges where you can hike, watch sunset vistas and study local flora; best in late spring through early autumn.

In summer, some river islands and floodplain paths become accessible for exploratory hikes; conditions depend on water level, so check local advice before venturing out.

One of the most popular winter sports in the region with local amateur and youth teams; indoor rinks are important community hubs.

Played seasonally in parks and small stadia during the warmer months; local amateur leagues are active.

Traditional winter activities making use of nearby forests and trails; many locals and clubs practice and compete in these sports.

Recreational fishing in the Irtysh and Tobol rivers is popular among residents and visitors in warmer months.

Vegetarian options are available but limited compared with big cities; look for salads, mushroom or cheese pirozhki, potato dishes, blini with fillings and buckwheat/kasha. Communicate 'Ya vegetariants/ya ne em myaso' (I am a vegetarian/I don't eat meat) and ask staff for simple modifications.

More challenging — many traditional dishes contain butter, sour cream or fish broth. Seek out vegetable soups, salads and bread; main restaurants may be able to adapt some dishes if asked.

Bread and grain-based dishes are common; gluten-free options are limited. Bring basics if you require strict avoidance and ask about ingredients; smaller cafés may not understand cross-contamination concerns.

Allergy awareness varies; carry translations for your allergy in Russian and, when in doubt, choose simple dishes and inform staff clearly.