TOP 20 places to see in Sochi on your own and where to go

Sochi is the crowned capital of the south of Russia, because when we say “I’ll go to the sea,” the first thing we think about is it. What to see on your own in Sochi, besides a beach holiday, will be in this article.

The other day I flew to Sochi, and I have a hot review ready for you, in the heat of the moment, in which, as usual, the information will be divided into categories - cultural and active recreation. I personally like to combine things, because endless walks around the sights are tiring, aren’t they?

Features of Sochi you need to know about

1. Huge distances. If you didn’t know, the length of Sochi’s coastline ranks second in the world - 145 kilometers. This is a huge plus because here, like nowhere else in the south, there is an abundance of beaches. But there is also a minus when you need to move along the route, only the road from the airport can take 2 hours, taking into account traffic jams.

2. Ski slopes and recreation in the mountains. Sochi is not only swelteringly hot, the resort also includes the Krasnaya Polyana ski complex, so once you climb the mountains, you still won’t leave the city’s borders.

3. Humid climate. The weather in Sochi is humid subtropics; for comparison, the same weather is found in Thailand, but nowhere else in Russia. During the hot tourist season, namely in the summer, it is unbearably stuffy here, sweat flows from the body like hail, clothes become sticky and all the dust and dirt settles on the skin, causing a lot of inconvenience, including rashes. Lingerie and swimsuits hung on lines may not dry even within a day. Not to mention that everywhere in hotels you will smell dampness, just be prepared for the fact that this is the norm here.

4. Sochi Narzan. Within the city limits, healing springs bubble up from the ground, capable of healing any ailment or illness with their rich composition. You can try Sochi Narzan for free, the pump rooms are located in the Riviera Park, as well as the Metallurg and Znanie sanatoriums, and the health resorts offer services for taking rejuvenating baths with mineral water.

4. Rich fauna. Sochi is surrounded by greenery, and these are not just words - only here there are palm trees the height of a three-story house, plane trees - unusual trees shedding their bark and blooming magnolias. Even an ordinary Pyaterochka supermarket looks like the entrance to a park, with a living curtain and framed with bouquets of oleanders. To be honest, I walked the streets with my mouth open, admiring the beauty and greenery of Sochi.

Neighborhoods of Sochi

The surroundings of the city of Sochi are so interesting and remarkable that since 1983 they have been declared a National Park, where any human activity is prohibited. The nature here is extremely picturesque. About 40 rivers and streams flow through the park, giving freshness and coolness to a variety of plants. More than 100 waterfalls ranging in height from 2 to 73 meters make the picture even more picturesque. There are about 200 karst caves in the park, some of which are the subject of scientific research.

The Vorontsov caves are perhaps the most famous of all and represent the largest underground agglomeration in the Caucasus. The height difference in these caves is about 240 meters, some of the karst cavities are filled with water, and narrow passages between the halls in the caves are sometimes barely accessible to humans. A visit to this attraction leaves many impressions and emotions, especially since many sections of the Vorontsov Caves contain traces of ancient sites. In the vicinity of Sochi you can see the famous dolmens. Disputes still continue about where they came from in this region and what their purpose is, but the fact remains: there are many of them here, the inscriptions and drawings on them suggest that these are some kind of religious buildings of ancient people.

Tired of visiting numerous, sometimes very ambiguous, sights, you can easily relax on a boat trip and enjoy the spectacle of the most important attraction of the city of Sochi - the sea.

TOP - 6 ways to navigate around Sochi on your own

Despite the fact that Sochi is not the capital, it is quite extensive in territory, and locals call it Greater Sochi, which includes such settlements as Adler, Lazarevskoye, the Khosta and Matsesta districts, as well as the famous Krasnaya Polyana, which is located high in the mountains .

Here, the distances from one stop to another are very impressive, besides, walking around Sochi involves continuous ups and downs, so for all tourists there are several ways to move around the city:

1. Rent a car. You can rent a car immediately upon arrival at Sochi airport or railway station and enjoy driving around the city and surrounding area for any number of days

2. Bicycle, electric scooter, scooter for rent. In Sochi, like nowhere else in resort areas, bicycle tourism is developed, bicycle paths are equipped, and there are convenient descents and ramps. In order to rent a bicycle, just come to the embankment, there are rental points on every corner, prices start from 150 rubles. per hour depending on rental time and chosen transport

3. Public transport. This method also works if you have a limited budget, since the fare will be quite symbolic from 25 rubles, payment at the entrance. Regular gazelles or minibuses run around the city, and longer distances to see the surrounding area and neighboring beaches can be reached by bus. But keep in mind that traveling on a stuffy bus will often involve standing and without air conditioning.

4. An electric train that connects such Sochi sites as Krasnaya Polyana, the Olympic Park, suburban villages and the airport.

5. Taxi services, transfer. Keep in mind that local drivers will ask for 2 times more money for their services than you would rent a car via the Internet or app

6. Own car. Everything is clear here, download the map and use the navigator to plan your route yourself. We use the maps.me application

Everything you need to know about Sochi beaches

Due to the significant elongation of the city along the coastline, there are plenty of beaches here. In Sochi, all beaches consist of small smooth pebbles, so if you don’t like pebbles, you can choose the Imereti coast with an artificially created sand beach. But the entrance to the water will still be pebbly. By the way, pebbles are an imported material; before each season, the city authorities fill the beaches with stones, popularly called pebbles, taken from the beds of mountain rivers.

Another distinctive feature of Sochi beaches is the breakwaters, concrete paths going far into the sea. On the one hand, they create an unsightly appearance, but on the other hand, they perform an important function by preserving the shore from storms.

Conventionally, all beaches in Sochi can be divided into three groups:

1. Free . This includes all the municipal beaches of Sochi, which are popular among vacationers “not on a package tour” - these are Primorsky, Albatross, Vardane, Mayak, Riviera, etc. Despite the budget holiday, the beaches have everything you need for free - a clean coastal area, showers and changing cabins, toilets, comfortable entry into the water.

2. Paid,

where, in addition to the sea, you can sunbathe on a sun lounger and swim in the pool. They are located on the territory of local boarding houses, but not all of them allow entry even for money; I will list only those that are open to non-guests. This is the beach at the Eden boarding house (entrance 300 rubles), the Zapolyarye sanatorium (children - 750, adults - 1500 rubles), the Oktyabrsky sanatorium (children - 200, adults - 500 rubles)

3. Wild. These are places on the coast where there are no landscaped beaches, but for those who like to sunbathe alone and have a nudist holiday, they are quite suitable. This includes the 73rd kilometer beach, Uch-Dere, Thessaloniki

TOP - 20 things to see in Sochi on your own and where to go

All tourists are different and everyone’s vacation needs are also different, so I divided the interesting places in Sochi into thematic blocks. If you are more interested in action and want to get an adrenaline rush, then you will probably be bored on sightseeing tours, even if they are top-notch and all the guides recommend them as a must-see. For example, I would prefer a walk up the mountain to a hyped amusement park. Listen to your heart and choose a vacation to your liking

Natural monuments

Mount Akhun

Mount Akhun is the best observation deck in Sochi, so having been here, it would be a big omission not to visit this place. The hill consists of three peaks, the highest of which has a height of about 700 meters. In addition, the mountain is located in a national park and includes an observation tower, a Ferris wheel, a walking route, Agur waterfalls and Vorontsov cave.

Opening hours: daily observation tower from 10.00 - until sunset, cafe from 9.00 to 22.00, tasting room 11.00 - 20.00

How to get there: an 11-kilometer serpentine road leads to the top of the mountain; you can reach the top on foot in about 2.5 - 3 hours. Buses go to the foot - 105, 125 and 125C; minibuses – 100, 102, 105K and 125 stop “Old Matsesta”, “Chekmeneva” or “Sputnik sanatorium”

Entrance to Akhun is free, Ferris wheel 300 rubles. observation tower - 100 rubles.

Every Thursday and Sunday you can join a mini-group on the excursion “Trek - tour to Agur Falls and Eagle Rocks” and walk to Mount Akhun. You can also borrow trekking poles and backpacks from them. The excursion has the best reviews in Sochi! You can reserve your place here>>>

Vorontsov caves

If you have never been underground and have not seen cave halls with mountain rivers and grottoes, as well as icicles growing from the ground - stalagmites and stalactites, then you have something to see in the Vorontsov Caves. There is a significant difference in humidity and temperature underground, so it is better to have outerwear and comfortable shoes with you for walking on slippery floors.

Keep in mind that the total length of the halls and labyrinths of the Vorontsov Cave is large - about 12 km, but the hiking trail takes only 600 meters

Opening hours: daily from 10.00 - 18.00

Entrance – adults – 350 rubles, children – 200 rubles. Children under 7 years old are free. Entrance to Sochi National Park and parking - 100 rubles.

How to get there 3 ways:

1) By public transport. Vorontsov Caves is the most distant route from Sochi, you can get there by train, buses No. 50, 105, 127, minibus 134 to the village of the same name Vorontsovka, further 3 km. on foot. GPS coordinates - 43.612709, 39.933047

2) By bus as part of a 5-hour excursion. Vorontsovskaya Cave is an underground labyrinth of the Paleolithic era. You can view the schedule here>>>

3) By car. Car trip to the Vorontsov Caves - the Kingdom of Hades. It is beneficial if you are traveling with a group; you can agree on the date, time and book your seats on the website here>>>

Agur waterfalls

A walk to the Agur waterfalls can be combined with a visit to Mount Akhun. In total, the complex has 3 large waterfalls from 21 to 30 meters, the walking trail to which is about 3 km long. constantly going up.

Opening hours : daily, 24 hours a day

How to get there - the waterfalls are located half an hour from the center of Sochi and are one of the most easily accessible natural places, so it is best to get here by public transport, the route is the same as to Mount Akhun

Entrance - 100 rubles. (you can enter for free early in the morning while the ticket office is closed even in winter), parking - 100 rubles.

Every Thursday and Sunday you can join a mini-group on the excursion “Trek - tour to Agur Falls and Eagle Rocks” and walk to Mount Akhun. You can also borrow trekking poles and backpacks from them. You can reserve your place on the Tripster website:

Natural complex of 33 waterfalls

A spectacular walk that includes a scenic path along the Shahe River valley, visiting tea plantations and cheese factories, trekking on wooden platforms along the mountainside. The height of the largest waterfall is 10.5 meters; if you do not want to see streams flowing over the stones, choose non-summer months to visit the waterfalls.

Opening hours : daily, 24 hours a day

How to get there - the waterfalls are located on the outskirts of the village of Bolshoi Kichmay. You can get there on your own using personal transport that can handle driving on a dirt road, or as part of an excursion (with guides you will have to go through “rituals” of tasting honey, wine and cheese)

Entrance - 100 rubles. entrance to the national park, parking 100 rubles.

The excursion “33 waterfalls, the mystery of the dolmens and the Caucasian feast” from 750 rubles per person is held every Tuesday and Thursday, a place can be booked on the website:

Interesting places in Sochi

The surrounding area of Sochi is rich in natural beauty. Among them are waterfalls, gorges, archaeological sites and caves. Some of them can be explored on your own, while others can only be accessed with a guided tour.

33 waterfalls

Coming on vacation to Sochi and not visiting a single waterfall would be a big miss. One of the most popular excursions among tourists is a trip to 33 waterfalls. Of course, you can get to the waterfalls by private or rented car, but it is better to choose a guided program. On the way to the Sochi National Park, tourists are taken to taste tea, honey, cheese and wine, and are told about interesting legends and traditions. On a hot summer day, there is nothing more pleasant than taking a dip in the cool waters. There are several waterfalls for swimming. The equipped route covers 17 of them. The rest can also be seen, but you will have to go through the thicket of the forest and make your way over slippery stones.

Yew-boxwood grove

This is another iconic natural attraction of the Sochi region. The name of the grove was given by two trees: yew berry and Colchian boxwood. Yew berry has been growing in the Khosta microdistrict for many centuries. This is a coniferous tree whose wood is red in color. Hence its second name – mahogany. Colchis boxwood* has interesting properties - it sinks in water and has very dense wood. The yew-boxwood grove is located on the territory of the Caucasus State Biosphere Reserve, so there is a small entrance fee. There are two walking routes among the trees: a large one (5 km long) and a small ring (2 km long). Whatever route you choose, shady alleys, trees entwined with vines, limestone faults, karst caves, and a gorge await you. On the large ring, tourists will be able to visit the ruins of an ancient fortress built by the Circassians and even swim in the cool waters of the Khosta River.

* in 2014, a pest was brought to Sochi - the boxwood moth. Butterflies and caterpillars significantly damaged the Colchis boxwood plantings in the grove.

Tea houses in Uch-Der

Tea plantations

Another interesting place in the vicinity of Sochi is located in the small village of Uch-Dere. In the 1980s, a wooden frame was erected here without a single nail. The house was built according to the design of architect Yu.L. Schwarzbraim in the style of ancient Russian architecture. The area is surrounded by aromatic tea plantations and a landscaped park. Most often, tourists come here to taste local Krasnodar tea with traditional sweets: jam, curd pancakes, honey. Before the tasting, visitors are introduced to the history of the tea drink, told about the features of planting and harvesting, and also demonstrated the process of drying tea leaves. It’s worth coming here not only for the tea itself, but also for the stunning view.

Vorontsov Cave

Vorontsov caves have been known since Paleolithic times, when sites of primitive people appeared here. The caves are a multi-level labyrinth with a height difference of 240 meters and a length of about 12 km. Only part of the cave complex is equipped for visitors, which includes a visit to the Prometheus grotto, the Oval, Bear, and Silence halls. There are railings along the entire route, and visitors must be accompanied by an experienced guide. The favorite pastime of all tourists is to look for familiar images of animals, people, and things in the bizarre forms of stalactites and stalagmites. The climate in the caves is humid with a constant temperature of 12 ºC. Therefore, when visiting, it is better to choose comfortable shoes and a waterproof windbreaker.

Observation tower on Mount Akhun

Tower on Mount Akhun

This is one of the most romantic places in the vicinity of Sochi. This is where couples come to watch the sunset over the city at the top of the observation tower. To get to Mount Akhun, you will need to overcome 11 km of serpentine road. At the end of the difficult road, visitors will be greeted by a 30-meter stone tower, which was erected at the beginning of the last century. There is a fee to climb to the observation deck, but the views from above are worth any money. The entire multi-kilometer coast of Sochi appears in full view.

House-Museum "Stalin's Dacha"

This is one of several residences of I.V. Stalin, where he loved to spend time with his family. The small two-story building was designed by architect M.I. Merzhanov. The house was built taking into account the terrain and blends as much as possible with the surrounding landscape. For the same purposes, the walls are painted with a special green paint, which makes it impossible to detect the building from the air. The dacha is surrounded on all sides by centuries-old trees and greenery. Visitors are allowed inside only if accompanied by a guide. As you know, Stalin was indifferent to luxury, so the entire interior is made in an ascetic style. Natural materials were used for finishing: wood and stone. The study of the “Father of Nations,” the living-dining room, the swimming pool, and the library have been preserved in their original form.

Skypark Sochi

This attraction will appeal to true extreme sports enthusiasts. Skypark is located in the Akhshtyrskoye Gorge, in one of the most beautiful places in the vicinity of Sochi. Here you can walk along the longest suspension bridge in Russia at an altitude of over 200 meters. The bridge offers a breathtaking panorama of the Mzymta River, the Akhshtyrskoye Gorge, the Caucasus Mountain Range and the Black Sea. Photos taken from the bridge will be included in your favorite memories of your vacation in Sochi. In addition to walking along the suspension bridge, here you can jump from a bungee, fly on a swing, ride a high-speed trolley, try your hand at a climbing wall or conquer the rope course. In the evening, live concerts and parties with DJs take place on the territory of the skypark; their schedule can be found on the official website.

Agur waterfalls

Traveling to the Agur waterfalls is one of the easiest walking routes and at the same time one of the most beautiful. The waterfalls are located in the Khostinsky district of Sochi and are easily accessible by public transport or private car. In its flow, the Khosta River forms several water cascades with a height of 18 to 23 meters. Unfortunately, the river is not full-flowing, so in especially hot August the riverbed can dry out. The entire pedestrian route is equipped with wooden decking and railings. The minimum time for the walk is 1 hour, but it is ideal to allocate 3 hours for visiting the Agur waterfalls with full stops and photos as a souvenir.

Matsesta

Matsesta is primarily a balneological resort in Sochi. It is here that hydrogen sulfide springs, which have been known since the times of ancient Rome, come to the surface from the bowels of the earth. Like all such sources, they are accompanied by a persistent unpleasant smell of “rotten eggs”. Until the first half of the last century, the springs remained unequipped; through the efforts of local enthusiasts, baths were made into which water was collected by gravity. Currently, there is a balneological resort here, where anyone can improve their health with the help of healing water. To obtain the effect, doctors recommend performing at least 10-14 procedures.

Trout farm in Adler

The trout farm in Adler has been operating for more than 50 years and is considered one of the oldest in Russia. Among the mountain landscapes on the banks of the Mzymta River, trout, carp, sturgeon, and pike splash in pools with the purest water. Tourists from all over the Sochi coast come to see amber and rainbow trout. As part of the excursion program, trout farm employees talk about the features of growing and keeping fish. Visitors will also learn why trout is called the “royal” fish. During the excursion you can feed the fish with special food. Here you can also purchase farm products: live fish, smoked fish, caviar and even fry for breeding. Anyone can try their luck at fishing, and the caught fish will be cooked and served right in front of you.

Historical landmarks

In order to get to know Sochi better, I advise you to take a ride along the main street - Kurortnaya, where you can see in all its glory the power and splendor of the Soviet heritage - the sanatoriums of the 30s, which, according to Stalin's idea, were built as palaces for the working class by the best architects of the USSR. During the war, health resorts served as hospitals, after which Sochi was awarded the Order of Glory, as evidenced by the memorial wall at the Main Post Office.

Stalin's dacha

Stalin's dacha is not only a residence where the leader of the Soviet era recuperated, but also a unique place, built in the neoclassical style, preserving its original appearance, interior items and furniture.

You can read my detailed review about visiting Stalin’s dacha in Sochi here >>>

Opening hours: daily from 9.00 to 18.00

How to get there - stop. Sanatorium Zelenaya Roshcha, bus. 2, 50, 105s, 105, 105k, 115, 125s, 125P, minibus 48. Having entered the territory of the health resort, you need to climb up the serpentine road for 15 - 20 minutes. GPS coordinates - 43.545207, 39.801557

Entrance - 350 rub. (adult), children under 7 years old free (7 - 12 years old 200 RUR), parking free

Sanatorium Ordzhonikidze

This is the only sanatorium of the last century in Sochi where you can get in for free, without a guest card, and all because it has been inactive since 2010. The monumental buildings have long been overgrown with ivy, the fountains are covered with cracks, and tropical plants are making their way through the granite steps. You can come here to see with your own eyes the victory of nature over human labor, and immerse yourself in a mysterious atmosphere.

Opening hours: daily, 24 hours a day

You can read my photo report on visiting the Sochi abandoned abandoned place here >>>

You can also come to the sanatorium with a guide who will tell you in detail about the history and every corner of the sanatorium. The cost of the walk is from 600 rubles. per person

The children's movie Old Man Hottabych was filmed here, and you can take a photo at the fountain where the company with the old man and the boys landed on a carpet plane.

How to get there - stop. Sanatorium Ordzhonikidze or Truth, author. 2, 3, 41, 50, 86, 105, 105с, 105к, 120, 121, 125П, 125с., minibus 41, 43, 48, 90

Entry is free. It’s impossible to get inside the buildings, the doors and entrances are boarded up with partitions, there is a vigilant guard

Temple of Michael the Archangel

Regardless of your affiliation with any faith, I advise you to take a walk to the main Sochi Temple - St. Michael the Archangel, especially since it is located in the very heart of the city. And if you are not a southerner, then you will forever remember the cathedral surrounded by palm trees and blooming magnolias. On the territory there is a water chapel with a spring, a parish school and an icon shop.

Opening hours: morning liturgy - 8.00, evening service - 17.00, Sunday - 06.30, 08.30, 17.00

How to get there - st. Moskvina 12, stop. Marine Station, bus. 115, 15, 114, 36, minibus 101

Entry is free

Chapel with holy water

Marine Station

The tower with a spire in the center of Sochi is considered to be a symbol of the city, and all because it is located on the roof of the marine terminal building, which is the main port and water gate of the resort. Here at the pier you can buy tickets for boat trips on all types of transport - sailing yachts, boats and motor ships.

The scene of Semyon Semenovich’s farewell to his family from the film The Diamond Arm was filmed in this place, and on the plane tree alley in the shade of an exotic plane tree you can take a photo near the monument to the heroes of the film

Opening hours: daily, boat trips 8.00 - 04.00

How to get there - st. Cruise Harbor 4, stop. Marine Station, bus. 115, 15, 114, 36, minibus 101

Entry is free

Semyon Semenovich's farewell to his family

Monument to smuggler Lelik and Gesha Kozodoev

Art Museum

The sea in Sochi can be seen not only on the beaches, but also in the paintings of the Art Museum. I advise you to take a walk along its cool corridors if you are tired of the heat. The works of the great creators of Russian painting are presented here - Aivazovsky, Shishkin, Polenov, Serov, Kustodiev, as well as other figures and has more than 6,000 works of art.

Opening hours: Tuesday - Sunday - from 10.00 to 18.00, Monday - closed

How to get there - st. Kurortny Prospekt 51, stop. hotel Sochi, bus. 2, 3, 11a, 22, 23, 41, 50, 86, 103, 105s, 105, 105k, 120, 121, 125p, 125s, minibus 12, 19, 37, 38, 43, 45, 48, 83, 87 , 92, 94, 95, 98, 113

Entrance - adults 200 rubles, children 100 rubles, audio guide 50 rubles, photography fee - 50 rubles.

A little history

People have long chosen the coast of the Western Caucasus for settlement; in particular, in the vicinity of present-day Sochi, archaeologists have found traces of human settlements from the Early Paleolithic. Presumably, people came here from Asia Minor approximately 350-400 thousand years ago, as evidenced by flint tools found during excavations. A deep trace in the history of Sochi was left by the ancient era, confirmed by the mention of the region in chronicles and literature.

The history of Sochi as a city began much later, in 1838, when the construction of the first Fort Alexandria on the territory of the resort began. On June 14, 1909, the first hotel “Caucasian Riviera” was opened in the city and the city’s life as a resort began. The hotel had such rare amenities at that time as running water, sewerage, and its own power plant. By this time, a bathhouse had already been opened at the Matsestinsky hydrogen sulfide spring.

A panorama of the entire city can be seen from the 30-meter observation tower, built in 1936 on Mount Akhun. Rising 663 meters above sea level, Mount Akhun is one of the highest points in the city.

Under Soviet rule, the resort began to develop especially intensively and within a short time became an elite resort, the status was constantly reinforced by the construction of architectural structures and the attitude of the authorities. Magnificent buildings of health resorts, usually of palace architecture, became the decoration of the city. Its squares and fountains create an atmosphere of well-being and serenity. However, the main attractions of the city are associated with its unique climate and rich nature.

Parks

Sochi Arboretum

The Sochi Arboretum is a huge nature reserve that contains not only the most beautiful and rare varieties of plants and trees from all over the world, but also a habitat for leopards, pelicans and other animals.

You can read my review about visiting the arboretum here >>>

So, the Arboretum is quite voluminous in terms of territory; a walk through it will take at least 3 hours. The best way to start exploring is by going up the cable car to the very top, and then going down to the exit on your own, along the way exploring the sights of the park (don’t forget to grab a map of the park and download Arboretum application). At the top there is a gorgeous observation deck overlooking the city and the sea.

The park is full of fountains, stairs and sculptures; it is a collection of the best photogenic places in Sochi. Each plant has a plate with a description and place of origin

Opening hours: daily in summer from 08.00 to 21.00, ticket office until 19.00, in winter from 9.00 to 17.00 in winter, ticket office until 16.00. Cable car from 9.00 to 19.00, in winter until 16.00

How to get there - st. Kurortny Prospekt 74, Circus stop, bus. 2, 3, 11a, 22, 23, 41, 50, 86, 88, 103, 105, 105s, 105k, 120, 125p, 125s, minibus 12, 19, 37, 38, 43, 45, 48, 83, 87 , 94, 95, 98, 113

Entrance - upper park and lower park 350 rubles, cable car (500 rubles - adults, 400 rubles - children)

Park "Riviera

A park with an excellent location in the city center, a place for walking with children, which, in addition to attractions, has a dolphinarium, a butterfly and dinosaur park, an aquarium, a zoo and a penguinarium.

Opening hours: daily from 10.00 to 22.00

How to get there: stop "Park Riviera" buses No. 17, 36, 14, minibuses No. 4, 6, 7, 25, 30, 104, 37, 41, 98.

Admission is free, toilet is paid

You can read my photo report on visiting the Riviera here >>>

Southern Cultures Park

Suitable for you if you are vacationing not in central Sochi, but in Adler. It is similar to the Arboretum, but less impressive. There is an airport nearby, so planes approaching to land will constantly fly overhead; if you want to take an impressive photo, this is the place.

Opening hours: daily from 10.00 to 19.00 depending on the season

How to get there: Adler, st. Nagorny deadlock 13/3B, stop. Park Southern Cultures, bus. 50, 54, 55, 56, 57, 59, 88, 125с, 125п, 132, 135, 171, minibus 58, 60, 109, 117, 134

Entrance - adult - 250 rubles, children 7 - 14 years old - 120 rubles, children under 7 years old - free

What to see in Sochi in 1 day on your own on foot

It’s better to start by exploring those excursion sites that do not require travel around the surrounding area, but are suitable for walking routes within the city of Sochi.

Pleasant sunny day.

Train Station

The elegant railway station building, standing among palm trees and fragrant magnolias, is the main gate to the southern city, one of its calling cards.

The unique object was erected in 1951, and in 1975 it was recognized as an architectural monument and included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

The three-story building still amazes people with its luxury. The most expensive materials were used in the decoration: oak, marble, handmade stucco.

Majestic columns seem to lift the building above the ground and make it look like a palace from oriental fairy tales.

The façade is decorated with a tower with a spire and an original clock.

Train Station.

Navaginskaya Street

Navaginskaya Street is included in most walking routes around Sochi for 1 day.

This is the main resort promenade, a successful combination of a free botanical garden and developed urban infrastructure.

Before the 2014 Olympics, Navaginskaya was an unremarkable street with a carriageway, but today you will find on it:

Cafes, restaurants, karaoke bars.
Boutiques and shopping galleries.
The “Ear of Desires” monument, fulfilling cherished dreams.
A light and music fountain dancing to cheerful melodies.

There are benches along the perimeter of the promenade where you can relax in the shade of palm trees and plane trees.

The street is an all-season attraction, and resort life is in full swing here even at night.

Navaginskaya street.

Sea port

Sochi Sea Port, considered the largest and most comfortable on the Black Sea coast, is a cozy harbor with huge ships, tourist yachts and fish restaurants.

From here you can go on a short boat trip along the coast or on a foreign cruise.

The scene of the departure on the ship “Mihial Svetlov” from the popular film “The Diamond Arm” was also filmed here.

Sea port.

Marine Station building

The decoration of the Sochi port is the Marine Station. The architectural monument of federal significance was built in 1955.

The design of the building, decorated with columns, arches, mosaics and stucco, was once praised by J.V. Stalin himself.

In the nearby park, Himalayan cedars, palm trees and fragrant roses grow, and in the center there is a fountain “The Lady of the Seas”, personifying Navigation.

Marine Station building.

Monument to Tourist

Since tourism revenues form a large part of the Sochi budget, the city could not do without the installation of a monument to the Tourist.

The funny bronze figure has all the attributes of a vacationer: a camera, a wallet on his belt, sunglasses.

The sculpture is very popular with passers-by who like to take pictures with it.

Monument to Tourist.

Cathedral of the Archangel Michael

The idea of laying the first Orthodox church in the Caucasus, built in 1894, belonged to Grand Duke Mikhail Romanov.

The opening of the church was timed to coincide with the end of the bloody Caucasian War.

During the Soviet years, the cathedral went through difficult times. Believers were expelled from it, and church property was looted or destroyed.

But at the end of the 20th century, the temple was restored to its original appearance, and now the majestic building in the Russian-Byzantine style is open to parishioners and tourists.

Cathedral of the Archangel Michael.

Sochi Art Museum

If you’re thinking about what to see in Sochi in one day, don’t forget about the Art Museum.

It is famous for its collection of works of art from different eras - the halls display more than 5,000 exhibits.

In addition to viewing the main exhibition, consisting of paintings, sculptures, ancient Russian icons and objects of decorative and applied art, you can visit temporary thematic exhibitions and play interactive games.

The building itself, designed in the “classical Renaissance” style, is also of interest.

The museum is located in the Central district of Sochi at the address: Kurortny Prospekt, 51.

Sochi Art Museum.

Park "Riviera"

The center of attraction for entertainment lovers is Riviera Park.

There is everything here to enjoy your holiday:

About 30 calm and extreme attractions.
Playgrounds for children's games.
Penguinarium, oceanarium and dolphinarium.
The Ferris wheel is a good opportunity to admire Sochi from a dizzying height.
Cafe with delicious food and reasonable prices.
Tennis courts and sports town.

And in the “Riviera” you will find a mini-zoo with raccoons , lemurs and monkeys, street sculptures, many exotic plants and the Green Theater , which hosts festivals and concerts of pop stars.

Park "Riviera".

Beach and promenade "Riviera"

To explore the city in the evening, head to the Riviera embankment.

In the evenings, hundreds of people gather here who want to see beautiful sunsets and capture them as a souvenir.

The embankment is well landscaped, and the beach itself is not bad: long, wide, with small pebbles.

True, the Sochinka River flows into the sea next door, and the purity of the water leaves much to be desired.

Beach and embankment "Riviera".

Fort

Walking through the center of the resort, you will see the remains of the Navaginsky fort.

The fortification was named in honor of the heroic regiment, which became famous during the Caucasian War.

This fragment of the fortress walls is an important object of historical and cultural heritage of Russia.

Along the wall there are old photographs of the city, stands with weapons and household items of the first settlers, and sometimes master classes are held for those interested.

Navaginsky fort.

Historical promenade (Primorskaya St.)

A 700-meter-long pedestrian alley runs parallel to Ordzhonikidze Street, along the sea coast.

It was called historical for the reason that many significant buildings and monuments for the city of the 19th and early 20th centuries were built here.

For example, the sculptural composition “Cannon” appeared to commemorate the victory of Russian troops in the war with the Turks.

Despite its proximity to the center, the historical promenade is an excellent place for quiet, leisurely walks.

So when deciding what to visit in Sochi in one day, include it in your program.

Historical promenade.

Winter Theater

The design of this masterpiece of the Stalinist Empire style was chosen personally by Joseph Vissarionovich.

And the Generalissimo was not mistaken: the building with 88 columns, similar to the Greek Parthenon, still looks grandiose.

Inside you will see the personal box of Stalin, who loved to visit this place.

Today the building is the main theater venue in Sochi.

It employs the best creative teams in Russia and hosts the most significant festivals: “Theatrical Olympus”, “Kivin”, “Kinotavr”.

Winter theater.

Garden of Russian-Japanese Friendship

Another idea on where to go in Sochi in 1 day is a visit to the Garden of Russian-Japanese Friendship.

A magnificent Japanese-style park complex was created on 6 hectares of landscaped area, opened in 1986.

The site featured pagodas, artificial ponds, and stylized lamp posts placed along cobblestone paths.

In the center of the garden you will see the figure of a mythological creature - a Japanese dragon.

But the main wealth of the complex is miniature trees and plants (bamboo, Korean fir, Japanese larch), many of which were brought from Japan.

The garden is especially beautiful in the spring, when the vegetation awakening after the winter cold begins to bloom and smell fragrant.

Garden of Russian-Japanese Friendship.

Phytophantasia

A very pleasant place for people who want to see Sochi in one day is the Fitophantasia landscape park.

Every bush and square meter of land is lovingly arranged by Sochi dendrologist-designers.

You can enjoy a walk in the garden, taking a break from the city noise and inhaling the aromas of blooming flora.

A rocky cliff with a bridge laid across it, funny gnomes peeking out from behind the bushes, a pond surrounded by a colonnade - this creates a wonderful atmosphere of a romantic corner of nature.

Landscape park "Fitophantasia".

Park Arboretum

If you love nature, include a visit to the Arboretum in your Sochi itinerary in 1 day.

On the territory of the botanical park, founded at the end of the 19th century, you will see more than 1,800 species of plants from different parts of the world.

The arboretum is so huge that even under Soviet rule it was divided into two parts: Lower and Upper.

For the convenience of visitors, an underground tunnel and a cable car have been built.

The best photos are taken from the upper observation deck, which can be reached in a few minutes by cable car.

Park Arboretum.

Entertainment

Olympic Park

To be honest, I’m not a fan of cheering in the stands, and watching competitions doesn’t particularly interest me, so a walk through the Olympic Park did not leave any lasting impressions, besides, there is nowhere to hide from the scorching sun, and in the evening the asphalt gets so hot that you feel like you’re in steam room But if you want to see with your own eyes the Fisht stadium, where the World Cup was held, and also take a ride along the famous Formula 1 track, you will definitely like it here!

In the evening at 20:30 and 21:00 the Show of Singing Fountains begins, where from the bowl of the fountain simultaneously jets of water burst out into the sky under high pressure accompanied by modern compositions

Opening hours: daily from 08.00 to 24.00

Entry is free

How to get there 2 ways:

1) By public transport. High-speed train "Swallow", stop "Olympic Park", bus. 124s

2) As part of an excursion. On the Tripster website you can choose what you want to see, only Krasnaya Polyana or Krasnaya Polyana and the Olympic Park, the difference is 200 rubles. Happens daily. You can arrange a meeting time on the website:

You can read my review about visiting the Olympic Park excursion here >>>

Krasnaya Polyana, Rosa Khutor

Perhaps the most interesting feature of Sochi is that there is an opportunity to escape from the scorching sun to the snow-capped peaks, and this is Rosa Khutor. This is a modern ski resort, which is located 77 km. from Sochi to the plateau of the Aibga ridge. Of course, in the midst of a beach holiday, you will not be able to go skiing, because the skiing season is from mid-November to the end of April.

opening hours : daily, from 07.00 to 23.45

Entrance is free, cable car at 2320 m with panoramic views of the Greater Caucasus Mountains and the Black Sea from 950 rubles. per person

How to get there 2 ways:

1) By public transport. Train "Swallow" from Sochi railway station (departure from 07.40 every 4 hours, ticket from 180 rubles), buses 105, 105E, 135 and 135E (ticket from 180 rubles one way per person)

The operating hours of the cable car are from 9:00 to 22:00, changing depending on the season, it is better to check on the official website

2) You can get there by bus as part of an excursion and continue the journey by cable car

What to do in Rosa Khutor besides skiing and contemplating snow-capped peaks?

Take impressive photos on the tiled bridges over the Mzymta River and the Central Square
Admire the spire with the clock on the Town Hall, stroll along the buildings decorated with bright flowers and something reminiscent of Switzerland
Visit archeology and ski museums
Taste beer from a local brewery while sitting on the promenade with magnificent views of palm trees and mountains

What else to see on your own Krasnaya Polyana Sochi in 1 day can be found here>>>

Skypark AJ Hackett Sochi

Skypark in Sochi above the Akhshtyrsky Gorge, named after extreme sportsman Alan Hackett, is the longest suspended pedestrian bridge in Russia SkyBridge, high-altitude bungee jumping, zipline skiing, the best panoramic restaurant and the most astronomical prices in Sochi! The price of one bungee jump is equal to five flights on a Sochi-Moscow plane)

Opening hours: autumn/winter daily from 10.00 to 17.30, attractions until 17.45. Summer daily from 10.00 - 21.15, attractions until 21.30.

How to get there - stop 11th km. roads to Krasnaya Polyana, there is a free transfer when purchasing a ticket

Entrance - adults 1,500 rubles, children (7 - 15 years old) - 800 rubles. The price includes access to the park, unlimited walks along Skybridge, access to all observation decks and a children's rope park.

Sochi Park

Sochi Park is an amusement park designed in the style of Russian folk tales and is located within walking distance of the Olympic Park. On the territory of the park you can stay at the Bogatyr Hotel, built in the style of a fairy-tale palace. You can find out about room rates in the form below.

Opening hours: daily from 10.00 - 22.00

How to get there: high-speed train "Lastochka", stop "Olympic Park" bus. 124s

Admission with a single ticket at the box office - adults: 1,500 rubles, children under 107 cm: 1,300 rubles. An unlimited ticket includes being in the park all day and visiting all attractions an unlimited number of times. Ticket prices vary depending on the season and number of operating attractions

Aquapark Amphibius

There are a lot of water parks in Sochi, but if you really want to get an unforgettable experience, it is better to go to Amphiubius. This is not just a water park, but a small open-air water town with a convenient location within the city. In addition to four huge swimming pools, there is a children's pool and a restobar with drinks and food (pizza from 240 rubles, large fries 120 rubles, beer from 150 rubles). The water park has 2 sessions: daytime from 10.00 to 18.00, and evening from 19.00 to 22.30.

Opening hours: daily from 10.00 - 18.00

How to get there: the Vesna boarding house is located in Adler, stop at the Izvestia sanatorium, bus. 50, 55, 58, 60, 88, 105, 105s, 115, 117, 125s, 125p, 134, 140

Admission - adults - from 1,400 rubles, children - from 800 rubles, children under 3 years old free. Ticket prices may vary depending on the season. Free parking

Oceanarium – “Sochi Discovery World Aquarium”

Not the largest in Russia, but the most impressive in the south, so if you have previously visited the aquarium in Moscow or on Russky Island, you can safely skip this excursion. And for those who visit the giant aquarium for the first time, there is something to be surprised by - sea urchins, octopuses, sponges, stingrays, sharks and huge turtles.

Opening hours: daily from 10.00 - 19.00

How to get there: located in Adler st. Lenina, 219a/4 “Resort Town”, auth. 100, 105, 124, 125, stop "Gas Station Rosneft" (from Sochi), 60, 105, 117, 124, 125, 134, stop "Izvestia" (from Adler)

Admission - adults - 800 rubles, children - 500 rubles, children under 4 years old free, group guide 50 rubles, fish food - 100 rubles, parking 100 rubles.

Trout farm

A trout farm in Sochi is not just a walk to a fish farm, but an excursion to a factory where they cultivate valuable breeds of trout and sturgeon from 1964 and prepare delicious dishes that can be tasted right there. The fish in the pools reach 80 kg. They are allowed to be fed by hand, caught by fishing, and immediately cooked upon request.

Opening hours: daily from 9.00 - 18.00

How to get there: Adler, Kazachiy Brod village, stop. “Trout farming”, author. 105, 105c, 135

Entrance - adult ticket - 250 rubles, children 7 - 14 years old - 150 rubles, children under 7 years old - free.

Sochi Arbat - Navaginskaya street

For an evening promenade and as a finishing touch to your vacation, a leisurely walk along the main Sochi pedestrian avenue - Navaginskaya Street - is best. Its convenient location in the city center near the Seaport made it a favorite place not only among city residents, but also among tourists. Navaginskaya differs from other places in that forty-year-old palm trees the height of a three-story house grow along the entire route paved with paving stones, and there are sculptures of the mascots of the Sochi Olympics. Along the street there are restaurants and souvenir shops.

Where is it located ? “Platan Alley”, cars 2, 3, 11a, 11b, 23, minibuses 4, 6, 7, 19, 24, 25, 30, 38, 41, 43, 83, 87, 92, 94, 95, 98, 104

Admission is free, parking is paid

List of Sochi attractions with descriptions

Sochi is a multifaceted city where everyone can find entertainment and activities to their liking. Sea or mountains, sports or relaxing holidays, clubs or amusement parks, extreme sports or a walk in the park - everything is here! All that remains is to choose.

Sochi Park

This is a large theme park, which is located next to the Olympic venues in Adler. On an area of 25 hectares, visitors will find dozens of breathtaking attractions, several themed areas, master classes, shows, quests, a rope town and meetings with their favorite children's characters. The park will be interesting not only for adults, but also for children. There is entertainment for every taste: from extreme to family. The park has everything to make visitors feel comfortable, from numerous recreation areas to numerous food outlets. The Sochi Park complex also includes a modern hotel built in the shape of a fairy-tale castle.

Nizhneimeretinskaya embankment

Adler embankment

The 2014 Olympic Games in Sochi greatly changed the architecture and infrastructure of the city. One of these changes was the appearance of the Nizhneimeretinskaya embankment, 7 km long. The wide embankment has become a center of attraction for tourists vacationing in the Adler area and visiting the Olympic venues in Sochi. In addition to the pedestrian zone, there is a dedicated lane for bicycles on the embankment. Here you can rent a two-wheeled friend, a scooter, a Segway or a unicycle. On one side the walking area is framed by a pebble beach, and on the other there are restaurants and shops.

Sochi railway station

The snow-white station building is the first thing travelers arriving in Sochi by rail encounter. The building was built in the middle of the last century according to the design of the architect A.N. Dushkina. The station has three floors with several courtyards and fountains. The central place in the ensemble is occupied by a clock tower; its height is 55 meters including the spire. High ceilings, arches, columns, arcades, floral patterns - all this makes the railway station in Sochi one of the most beautiful in the country.

Trinity-St. George Monastery

This is a convent located in the village of Lesnoye. Most tourists visit it on the way to Krasnaya Polyana. This amazing place on the map of Orthodoxy appeared only in 1999, when the first monastery buildings appeared on the site of an abandoned reinforced concrete plant recreation center. Currently, the monastery ensemble includes 9 churches. All of them were designed by one architect - F.I. Afuksenidi. People come here to venerate the relics of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, Blessed Matrona of Moscow, St. Luke. Be sure to try the monastery pastries; they are inexpensive, but very tasty and aromatic.

Aquapark Amphibius

This is an ideal place for a family holiday with children. It's worth going here for the whole day to try all the attractions. On an area of 2 hectares there are several pools of different depths: some are intended for small children, others for adults. Particularly popular among holidaymakers are the Kamikaze, Blue Hole, Multislide and Giant slides. After a busy day of entertainment, you can have a pleasant time in the cafes and bars of the water park. There is a special menu for children and, of course, ice cream.

Resorts of Krasnaya Polyana

Rosa Khutor

Coming on vacation to Sochi and not visiting Krasnaya Polyana would be a big miss. Therefore, be sure to try to set aside at least one day for a trip to “Russian Switzerland”.

Several guidebooks could be written about the sights of Krasnaya Polyana; there are so many interesting sites and routes here. It is impossible to see everything in one day. Therefore, it is worth choosing in advance which attractions to visit first.

Dolmens

These are ancient religious buildings, which are made of large stone slabs. On the territory of the Black Sea coast and Crimea there are dozens of such structures, dating mainly to the Neolithic period. The dolmens of Krasnaya Polyana are distinguished by their compact size and excellent preservation. A visit to megalithic sites will be primarily of interest to lovers of archeology and history.

Casino Sochi

The casino in Krasnaya Polyana opened its doors to visitors in 2017. And since then it has served as a place of attraction not only for gambling professionals, but also for curious tourists. Entrance to the casino is carried out only with a passport, for which a guest card is issued. Bets start from a few kopecks, which allows you to try your luck without much loss to your budget.

KRC Galaktika

It’s worth going here for the whole day, especially if you are on vacation with children. Under one roof there is a water park, a cinema, restaurants and shops, a robotics exhibition, an ice skating rink, a bowling alley, and the Umnikum children's club.

Aviary complex "Laura"

Here you can get acquainted with the animals living on the territory of the Caucasus Biosphere Reserve. All the animals presented here were rescued from the hands of poachers, traps, were wounded, or were cubs who had lost their parents. All of them are treated, fed and released into the natural environment after a period of adaptation.

Mendelikh Waterfalls Park

The resort has several beautiful waterfalls: Polikarya, Medvezhiy, Keiva, Dragon's Mouth, Khrustalny, Maiden's Tears. But one of the most interesting routes is the trip to the Mendelikh waterfalls. The trail passes through a fairytale forest, where every view is like a postcard. Comfortable shoes (trekking), water and a good mood are required to visit.

Cable car

This is a separate attraction of Krasnaya Polyana and at the same time a fun attraction for the whole family. The resort has several cable cars that rise to heights ranging from 1000 to 3000 meters. The mountain ridges offer the best views of the Caucasus Mountains and the entire valley.

What else can you do in Krasnaya Polyana

The list of attractions and activities is endless. Firstly, it is worth paying tribute to Cultural-ethnographic. Be sure to visit the rope park and tickle your nerves on the high-mountain swings. Don't miss the opportunity to play billiards, bowling or take part in a quest. A special pleasure is stopping at a high-mountain tent camp and spending the night admiring the starry sky. Children will love the high-speed rodelbahn and the visit to the reindeer farm. Toboggan or tubing, husky or enclosure, beach or surf station - the choice is always yours. In addition, there are a lot of events and festivals held here (be sure to look at their descriptions and detailed information before visiting the resort).