Things To Do
in Tula
Tula sits on the Upa River about 100 kilometers south of Moscow, with a long history as a metalworking and arms-manufacturing center. It is renowned for its samovars and the arms museum housed within the Tula Kremlin, attracting curious visitors year-round. Its compact historic core combines ornate churches, cobbled streets, and traditional Russian cafés within easy walking reach.
Just outside the city, Yasnaya Polyana, Leo Tolstoy’s estate, offers a tranquil counterpoint to urban life.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day with a guided tour of the Tula Kremlin, an impressive fortress dating back to the 16th century. Explore its ancient walls, towers, and the beautiful Assumption Cathedral inside the complex. The morning light illuminates the historic architecture, providing perfect photo opportunities and a deep sense of the city's medieval past.
After lunch, visit the Tula State Arms Museum located within the Kremlin grounds. Dive into the rich history of Russian weaponry and craftsmanship, seeing displays of firearms and armor spanning several centuries. Take your time to appreciate the intricate designs and the strategic importance of Tula in Russia’s defense history.
As the sun sets, stroll along the Kremlin walls and enjoy panoramic views of the city bathed in golden hues. Head to a nearby traditional Russian restaurant to savor local specialties like shchi soup and pelmeni. Finish your evening with a walk through the illuminated streets of Tula's historic center, soaking in the tranquil atmosphere.
Travel to Yasnaya Polyana, the beloved estate of the famous Russian writer Leo Tolstoy, located just outside Tula. Wander through the peaceful gardens and visit Tolstoy’s house, where many of his masterpieces were written. The morning tranquility lets you reflect on the literary genius and the pastoral beauty that inspired his works.
Enjoy a guided tour of the extensive grounds, including the family’s outbuildings, the school Tolstoy founded for local children, and the writer’s grave nestled in a simple forest clearing. Learn about Tolstoy’s philosophy and how his estate was a center of intellectual activity. Stop by the on-site museum shop to find books and souvenirs related to the author.
Return to Tula and relax at a cozy café, savoring Tula pryanik, the region’s famous honey-spiced gingerbread. Reflect on the day’s cultural immersion while watching the city come alive with evening lights. Consider visiting a local theater or concert hall for a performance showcasing Russian classical music or drama.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕Cup of coffee | $2-4 |
| 🥗Three-course meal for two | $25-40 |
| 🚆Public transit ticket (one-way) | $0.50-1 |
| 🛏️Mid-range hotel per night | $40-100 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Compact and walkable historic center
- Rich industrial heritage with the Kremlin and museums
- Easy day trips to Yasnaya Polyana
- Affordability relative to Moscow
- Limited nightlife and dining variety compared to bigger cities
- Winter travel can be cold and icy
- "Здравствуйте" - Hello
- "Пожалуйста" - Please / You’re welcome
- "Спасибо" - Thank you
- "Где находится музей?" - Where is the museum?
- "Сколько стоит?" - How much does this cost?
- "Можно счёт, пожалуйста?" - Could I have the bill, please?
- "Говорите по-английски?" - Do you speak English?
- "Можно расплатиться картой?" - Can I pay by card?
Places to Visit in Tula
Visit one of these nice places.
Red-brick fortress walls and towers framing the historic center, with the Assumption Cathedral rising above the inner grounds.
A central gathering spot with grand avenues, statues, and the glow of evening lights.
Colonial-era weaponry displayed within a grand façade; the courtyard and arches make striking compositions.
A pastoral estate with sprawling gardens and a house museum—great for landscape and literary-themed photography.
Food in Tula
Tula Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A famous soft gingerbread often filled with jam or honey, best bought from historic bakeries in the city center.
Must-Try!
Meat-filled dumplings served with sour cream or butter; widely available in cafés and at the Central Market.
Beet-based borscht or cabbage-rich shchi, typically enjoyed with rye bread and sour cream.
Tula is famed for honey and dairy products; try fresh honey, butter, and soft cheeses at market stalls.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A lively hub for fresh produce, honey, cheeses, smoked fish, pies, and ready-to-eat snacks.
Pelmeni, blini, and warm pastries from casual stalls near the historic center.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A firm handshake is standard; use formal forms of address and, if known, a patronymic. Keep voices moderate in public spaces.
Remove hats indoors, wait your turn, and avoid loud behavior in restaurants and cafes.
Queue patiently, respect personal space, and show appreciation to hosts and service staff.
Safety
Tipping in Tula
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is customary but not mandatory; rounding up the bill or leaving 5–10% in restaurants is common if service is good.
Cash and bank cards are widely accepted; contactless payments are common; some smaller venues may prefer cash.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm days with long daylight hours (often 18–25°C). Occasional rain showers, but ideal for city walks, riverfront strolls, and outdoor cafés.
Cooling temperatures and colorful foliage. Comfortable for museum visits and park walks; layering is key.
Cold, often below freezing with possible snow. Winter gear is essential; city lights and frosted streets offer atmospheric photography.
Mild and wet in places; buds and green shoots appear across parks and estates. Great for outdoor photography as nature reawakens.
Tula at Night
Hiking in Tula
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Forest and meadow trails around Tolstoy’s estate offer peaceful day hikes within a short drive from the city.
Rural trails along the river provide relaxed hikes and scenic river views within easy reach of Tula.
Airports
How to reach Tula by plane.
Major international gateway; about a several-hour rail or road transfer to Tula with connections via Moscow.
Another major airport serving international flights; access to Tula via train from Moscow.
Large airport with extensive connections; travel to Tula typically via Moscow and rail.
Small regional airfield used for private/charter flights; serves the local area and can be a quicker option for certain trips.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The overwhelming majority of residents, with minority communities including Tatars and Ukrainians, among others.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A popular spectator sport with games in the city and regional leagues; local fans attend matches at municipal stadiums.
Seasonal indoor hockey games and skating rinks are common in winter.
Played in schools, clubs, and community centers; pick-up games are common in parks during warmer months.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Tula.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most places offer vegetarian options like beet soups, mushroom dishes, dumplings with potato or cheese, and vegetable sides; ask for no meat broth and opt for vegetarian dumplings if available.