5 Exciting Things to See and Do in Irkutsk

If you are planning a trip on the most famous railway route in the world, the Trans-Siberian Railway, you absolutely must allocate a few days to visit Irkutsk. This ancient city holds many attractions for the foreign visitor and is the largest city in Siberia, which has a unique culture all of its own. Nicknamed “The Paris of Siberia”, this unique city is one of the most popular stop offs on the Trans-Siberian Route, which is not far from Lake Baikal, and here are just a few of the things you can experience while there.

 

1. Visit Kirov Square – This square is in the centre of the city and has a long and interesting history. There are many festivals and parades held in this historical area that has a unique garden, which is a favourite picnic spot in the summer for the locals. The central fountain is particularly beautiful and you should take some photos while there and explore the picturesque gardens that surround the square. If you have yet to book your holiday, check out Trans-Siberian express tours that can be found online and they will help you to plan the perfect holiday.

 

2. 130 Kvartal – This street contains some fine examples of timber Siberian architecture and the street is full of boutiques, restaurants, cafes and bars, along with several good museums. There is also a modern shopping mall, something of a rarity in this part of the world, where you can enjoy some great coffee and buy souvenirs.

 

3. Bogoyavlensky Cathedral – This unique stone cathedral is well worth a visit while you are in Irkutsk, with the stone façade decorated with images of saints. This Siberian building has a very long history and the interior is decorated with stunning mosaics, especially the ceiling. For lovers of fine architecture, this city has many wondrous creations and you can easily spend a few days walking around, enjoying the friendly hospitality of the locals.

 

4. Lake Baikal – This is simply stunning and should most definitely be on your stop off list. Being the largest freshwater lake in the world, there is an abundance of wildlife and fauna that is exclusive to Lake Baikal, which includes the only freshwater seal in existence. This is without a doubt a nature lover’s paradise, with many log cabin villages that surround the lake where you can see the simple, yet colourful life of the local people. For many tourists, Lake Baikal has it all and you really should allow a few days to appreciate the natural beauty of this very special place.

 

5. The Angara Museum – This fascinating museum is set upon an old icebreaking ship, The Angara, which is the only surviving Russian Icebreaker in existence. It was launched in the year 1900 and travelled on the lake twice a day for the next 5 years and in 1918, it was refitted to take passengers. If you are a seafaring person, this museum will be of great interest, as it contains many images and documents detailing the hard life of those former times.

 

When planning your trip on the Trans-Siberian Railway, make sure you book with an established tour company, which will help you plan the perfect getaway.