Things To Do
in Tomsk
Tomsk is a historic Siberian university city on the Tom River known for its well‑preserved wooden architecture and lively student culture. Founded in the 17th century, it mixes imperial and Soviet-era buildings with colorful carved houses and leafy avenues. The city is a cultural and scientific center for Tomsk Oblast, with museums, theaters and a busy academic calendar that shapes local life.
Winters are long and cold while summers are short and green, making seasonal timing important for visitors.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a leisurely stroll through the historic center of Tomsk, where you can marvel at the charming wooden architecture of the 19th century. Visit the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and pay your respects while enjoying the serene atmosphere. Stop by a local café for a traditional Russian breakfast of blini and tea.
In the afternoon, explore the Tomsk State University campus, one of the oldest universities in Russia, known for its beautiful gardens and impressive buildings. Take a guided tour to learn about the history of the university and its prominent alumni. Afterward, relax in the nearby park, where you can enjoy a picnic or simply soak in the ambiance.
As the sun sets, head to the Tomsk Drama Theater to catch a captivating performance or simply admire the building’s stunning architecture. After the show, dine at a local restaurant specializing in Siberian cuisine, trying dishes like stroganina or pirozhki. End your evening with a leisurely walk along the Tom River, taking in the peaceful riverside views.
Kick off your day by visiting the Tomsk Regional Museum, where you can discover artifacts that showcase the region's rich history and culture. Engage with interactive exhibits that bring the past to life, and don't forget to check out the art collection. Grab a light snack at the museum café to recharge before your next adventure.
Spend your afternoon at the Museum of the History of Tomsk, which offers a detailed look at the city's development from its founding to modern times. Participate in a guided tour that highlights the unique stories and events that shaped Tomsk. As the afternoon unfolds, venture to the nearby University Museum, dedicated to showcasing the scientific achievements of the university.
In the evening, enjoy dinner at a cozy bistro where you can sample local delicacies and traditional Russian dishes. After your meal, attend a local concert or cultural event to experience the vibrant arts scene in Tomsk. Wrap up your day by visiting a local bar for a taste of Siberian vodka and lively conversation with the locals.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-10 |
| ☕Coffee (regular) | $1.50-3 |
| 🚌Public transport single ticket | $0.50-1 |
| 🚕Taxi short ride | $3-8 |
| 🛏️Mid-range hotel per night | $30-70 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich wooden architecture and historic charm
- Lively student culture with affordable cafés and events
- Good base for exploring Siberian taiga and nearby nature
- Relatively low cost compared with larger Russian cities
- Long, harsh winters and limited daylight in winter months
- Fewer international dining and entertainment options than major cities
- Some language barrier for non‑Russian speakers outside tourist areas
- Public transport options can be limited late at night
- "Здравствуйте" - Hello (formal)
- "Привет" - Hi / Hello (informal)
- "Спасибо" - Thank you
- "Пожалуйста" - Please / You're welcome
- "Сколько стоит?" - How much does it cost?
- "Где туалет?" - Where is the restroom?
- "Я не говорю по-русски" - I don't speak Russian
- "Говорите ли вы по-английски?" - Do you speak English?
Places to Visit in Tomsk
Visit one of these nice places.
Rows of carved and brightly painted wooden houses—best photographed in soft morning or evening light to capture details and textures.
Riverside views and bridges offer reflections at sunrise and sunset; good for wide landscapes and urban panoramas.
The university’s main building and surrounding academic quarter provide classic architectural shots and student-life scenes.
Colorful market stalls, vendors and local produce—excellent for candid and food photography.
Look for elevated points near the river or university for sweeping city skyline photos, particularly in winter with snow-covered roofs.
Food in Tomsk
Tomsk Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Siberian meat dumplings commonly made with pork and beef; find excellent versions in casual eateries and home-style restaurants near the university.
Must-Try!
Hearty Russian soups—solyanka (tangy, meaty) and shchi (cabbage soup)—served across cafés and traditional restaurants, especially warming in cold months.
Local fish from rivers and nearby lakes prepared pan-fried or baked in many mid-range restaurants; try seasonal preparations at fish-focused cafés.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A lively market where you can taste smoked fish, local cheeses, berries and pickles; ideal for sampling inexpensive local snacks and buying preserves.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Use formal greetings (Здравствуйте) with older people or on first meetings; handshake and direct eye contact are common. First names with patronymics are used in formal situations.
Russians can seem reserved at first—don’t expect the broad smiling common in some cultures. Be polite and direct; small talk is often limited until a relationship is established.
If invited to a local’s home, bringing a small gift (flowers, sweets) and removing shoes at the entrance is customary. Hosts typically insist guests eat and drink—accepting at least a small portion is polite.
Be mindful of winter hazards like icy pavements; avoid loud or drunk behavior in public spaces, particularly late at night.
Safety
Tipping in Tomsk
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping of around 5–10% is appreciated in restaurants but not always obligatory; rounding up or leaving small change is common in cafés. Taxi drivers rarely expect large tips; round up the fare or add a small extra for help with luggage.
Cards are widely accepted in shops and restaurants in Tomsk, though small vendors and markets may prefer cash. ATMs are common in the city centre—carry some cash for markets, public transport and rural trips.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Short and pleasant with long daylight hours; temperatures usually range from comfortable to warm (mid-teens to mid-20s °C). Best for walking, river activities and exploring wooden architecture without cold. Book accommodations early for festivals and university events.
Crisp air and colorful foliage make city parks and forest outings attractive; temperatures fall quickly and rain is possible. Layers are essential as days can be mild while mornings and evenings are chilly.
Long, very cold winters with snow and ice—temperatures frequently drop well below freezing. Winter offers classic Siberian scenery and activities like skiing and ice fishing, but dress in warm layers and prepare for limited daylight.
Thawing brings mud and slush in low-lying areas; temperatures rise slowly and the city moves from snowbound to green. Spring can be unpredictable, so waterproof footwear and flexible planning are helpful.
Tomsk at Night
Hiking in Tomsk
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Short day-hike loops in pine and mixed forests on the outskirts of Tomsk—good for berry and mushroom season and beginner hikes.
Trails along the Tom River offering easy walking routes, birdwatching and scenic river views; accessible from the city embankments.
Longer trails and rural paths in Tomsk Oblast suitable for half-day hikes and nature walks—ideal for seeing Siberian flora and experiencing quieter countryside.
Airports
How to reach Tomsk by plane.
The main airport serving Tomsk with domestic flights to Russian hubs; about 20–40 minutes from the city by car or shuttle. Taxis and occasional bus/shuttle services connect it with the center.
Major international and domestic airport roughly 200–300 km from Tomsk (travel time ~3.5–5 hours by road or rail). Many visitors combine flights through Novosibirsk with onward ground transport to Tomsk.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A significant portion of the population is made up of university students and faculty, giving the city a youthful, intellectual atmosphere and many cultural events.
The majority population is ethnic Russian, with local customs and cultural life reflecting Russian traditions.
Tomsk Oblast includes smaller indigenous and ethnic minority communities; these groups contribute to regional culture, crafts and local festivals.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A widely followed sport in Tomsk and across Siberia; local amateur and youth leagues are common and winter ice rinks are popular.
Played at amateur and youth levels with local clubs and university teams; matches and community play are common.
A traditional winter pastime—many residents ski recreationally during snowy months on nearby trails.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Tomsk.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist but are more limited than in major Western cities; choose salads, potato and mushroom dishes, blinis, and café menus in the city centre. Learn a few Russian phrases for explaining dietary needs and seek out vegetarian cafés near the university.
Specialty vegan and gluten-free options are emerging but not widespread; larger restaurants in the center and some cafés can accommodate requests if informed in advance. Carry snacks if you have strict requirements.