This cultural hub with well-preserved historic heritage was once known as 'The Paris of Siberia'. Today, Irkutsk is a city of museums. A large number of traditional wooden houses is another attraction.
One of the largest cities in Siberia, Irkutsk, is located on the banks of the River Angara. The city is a convenient base for exploring Siberia and accessing the Lake Baikal region. It is almost midway on the Trans-Siberian Railway route.
Activities for Tourists
Selfie with Babr
Take a selfie before the sculpture of Babr, the mythological monster symbolizing Irkutsk.
District 23 Exploration
Explore eateries, cafes, bars, souvenir shops, and art galleries at District 23 (130th Kvartal).
Seafood Exploration
Try seafood at restaurants, exploring the variety available in Irkutsk.
Culinary Experience
Order traditional Russian, Siberian, European, Mongolian, and Japanese cuisines at various restaurants.
Excursion to Lake Baikal
Explore Lake Baikal or Pribaikalsky National Park, rich in biodiversity.
Winter Activities
In winter, try ice fishing, reindeer races, and dog sledding while exploring other parts of Siberia.
Outdoor Activities
Engage in outdoor activities, including hiking and boating, in and around Lake Baikal.
Relaxation
Relax on the embankment of River Angara or at Kirov Park in the city center.
Top Attractions
Irkutsk Art Museum
Large collection of works of art, especially by the Buryats, indigenous ethnic group. Stone and wood buildings are architectural sights.
Irkutsk Regional Memorial Decembrists Museum
Preserves the cultural history related to the Decembrist movement in Russia.
Museum of Icebreaker 'Angara'
Showcases the history of the icebreaker 'Angara,' one of the first in the world, which operated on Lake Baikal.
Landfill Museum
Open-air facility with installations made of waste, highlighting environmental awareness.
Nerpinary (Sealarium)
Aquarium featuring nerpa, the freshwater seal found in Lake Baikal.
Monuments
Majestic monuments to Tsar Alexander III and Admiral Alexander Kolchak on the embankment of River Angara.
District 23 (130th Kvartal)
Popular food street with eateries, cafes, bars, souvenir shops, and art galleries.
Traditional Siberian Architecture
Exquisite architecture seen during a stroll on tree-lined streets with old wooden houses.
Sculpture of Babr
A mythological monster sculpture, symbolizing Irkutsk, and a popular spot for selfies.
Churches
Holy Cross Cathedral, Cathedral of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God, Cathedral of The Epiphany, Church of the Savior of the Holy Face. Remarkable for art, iconography, and architecture.