Where to go in Astrakhan: attractions, entertainment, cafes

First day Second day Museums of Astrakhan Stories, routes and tips from tourists with photos Where to stay in Astrakhan Excursions from Astrakhan for 2 days

Multinational and colorful Astrakhan attracts tourists with an abundance of architectural and natural attractions. People come to the city on the Volga and Caspian Sea not only for gastronomic experiences, but also to immerse themselves in the rich history of the oldest cultural center of the Lower Volga region.

It’s quite possible to see Astrakhan in 2 days. You will see not only top attractions like the Kremlin, but also atmospheric settlements where merchants from Central Asia and the Middle East lived in previous centuries. The program of what a tourist should see in 2 days in Astrakhan includes a river walk along the Volga and a visit to an authentic market with fish and watermelons. In order to have time to see Astrakhan from different angles, it is worth wisely planning your route for 2 days.

Lenin Square Photo: © Vladimir Shalaev

Attractions

Astrakhan is one of the historical cities of Russia and a cultural center, which is significantly reflected in its main attractions:

Astrakhan Kremlin. This is a historical and architectural complex built in the second half of the 16th century. The height of its walls is 3-8 m in different areas, the thickness is 5-12 m, and the length is almost 1.5 km. The Kremlin is located on Zayachiy Hill, the highest hill of the island. The complex includes many buildings: the Torture Tower of the late 16th century, also called the Artillery Tower;
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Crimean Tower of the late 16th century and Zhitnaya Tower of the same period;
Zeleyny yard of the early 17th century and the cellar of the same name, also called Porokhov;
the cathedral of the monastery of the Life-Giving Trinity and the spiritual consistory of the early 17th century;
Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary from the late 17th century;
Cyril Chapel of the 17th century;
gate church in the name of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker from the early 18th century;
barracks, guardhouse from the early 19th century;
the building of the Military Commander and the Zeichgauz of the late 19th century;
Prechistensky Gate and gate cathedral bell tower of the early 20th century;
Red Gate - a tower restored in the middle of the last century;
secret Water Gate, restored at the end of the 20th century.

Lenin Square is the main square in the city, adjacent to the Kremlin. Previously there was a residential yard here. There is a monument to Lenin, a platform for speeches and several fountains.

City embankment. This is a prime location for a 2km walk. Today the embankment is a completely reconstructed area - the pavement is paved with artificial stone, lanterns, benches for relaxation are installed, lawns are laid out, and attractions are organized.

The sculpture “Lady with a Dog” is one of the interesting objects on the city embankment. The heroine of Chekhov's story of the same name is made of bronze.

"Shoeshine Man", "Goldfish" – other bronze sculptures on the embankment. Also notable are the “Wedding Waltz” fountain and the “Lovers’ Bench” sculptural composition.

Monument to Peter the Great . It was on his order that the Astrakhan province was founded, so the emperor is held in high esteem here.

Cathedral of St. Vladimir – one of the main Orthodox churches in the city, founded in 1888. It has a unique architecture - the building is made in the Russian-Byzantine style.

John the Baptist Monastery . It was founded in 1688.

Vvedensky Temple – Orthodox, built at the beginning of the 19th century. It is in very poor condition and is being gradually restored.

The tower of the Spaso-Preobrazhensky Monastery is the only one that has survived from the whole complex. The monastery was built at the beginning of the 18th century in the Moscow Baroque style; it was destroyed in the 30s of the last century.

White Mosque – the oldest in the city, founded in 1777. At that time it was a wooden building, but at the beginning of the 19th century it was replaced by a stone structure in the style of late classicism. The mosque is represented by a one-story prayer hall, on the south side there is a semicircular protrusion of the mihrab, on the north side there is a minaret surrounded by galleries. One part of the prayer hall is located under a faceted dome, the other is lower and is under a gable roof.

The Black Mosque is one of the oldest in the city. Founded in 1816, but was destroyed and rebuilt about 15 years ago. A snow-white building with a high minaret, part of the building is crowned with a faceted dome.

Astrakhan TV tower – 180-meter steel structure. It was erected in 1967. In the evening the building lights are turned on.

Astrakhan Opera and Ballet Theater . A visit to it can be included in a cultural program. The architecture of the building is also of interest. This is a combination of modernity and eclecticism, the facade is decorated with stucco and carvings, windows with wide arches framed by openwork patterns, the roof is topped with decorative towers. Luxurious interior decoration.

House of merchant Tetyushinov. A magnificent wooden mansion built in 1872. The building is designed in the Russian style: a gable roof, an abundance of decorative carved elements, openwork platbands. There are summer verandas in the form of wide galleries - an excellent place to relax.

The Wedding Palace is a beautiful building that fully lives up to its name. The Art Nouveau style with elements of constructivism predominates. The building is designed in a pleasant blue color with snow-white trim. There are many decorative elements, balustrades, turrets and even a small dome over one part of the structure. The mansion was built of stone at the beginning of the 20th century.

Lovers' Bridge over the Kutum River. Wedding processions stop here, as evidenced by the many locks on the fence. At the entrance there are metal arches with colored ribbons - another tradition of newlyweds.

Swan Lake in the city center . This is a landscaped, well-kept area, walking alleys, decorative lanterns and benches, and a picturesque snow-white gazebo in the middle of the lake. In winter people go ice skating here, in summer they come for relaxation - you can sit right on the grass.

Astrakhan Nature Reserve. It was founded a century ago. Part of the territory is water. Various animals and about 300 species of birds live here. White swans and herons are especially attractive.

Itil settlement is a unique archaeological site. This attraction is located 45 km from the city. Most of the city is located on an island surrounded by dry channels. Artifacts from the period of the Khazar Kaganate were found here, there are remains of residential and utility buildings - many buildings are made of burnt brick.

Assumption Cathedral

The Assumption Cathedral is part of the architectural monuments of the Astrakhan Kremlin. This attraction was built a little later than the fortifications, around the beginning of the 17th century. This is the most majestic and significant building, which is the hallmark of Astrakhan. The famous domes of the Assumption Cathedral begin to sparkle with their golden color with the appearance of the first rays of sunlight. The building consists of two tiers or floors: on the first there is a tomb in which the relics of the first metropolitan, recognized as a great martyr, and two historical leaders - the kings of Georgia are kept; on the second there is a spacious and bright hall for the liturgy.

Entertainment, cultural recreation

The cultural and entertainment program in Astrakhan is extensive. Depending on your own preferences, you can choose:

Theaters: dramatic, opera and ballet, young spectators (there are performances for adults).
Art gallery named after Dogadin . The collection is represented by works of painters of the 18th-20th centuries, including Shishkin and Repin. There is an impressive exhibition dedicated to the Russian avant-garde.
Museum of Military Glory – it was opened in 1975 on the 30th anniversary of the Victory. The collection is represented by weapons, armor, personal belongings of fighters, documents, models, sculptures. There are even exhibits from the 16th to 18th centuries.
The Astrakhan Museum of Local Lore is a complex with 14 branches both in the city itself and in its region. The collection contains more than 300 thousand exhibits. There is an archaeological, ethnographic, natural, numismatic composition.
Arcadia Park – the central cultural park in the city. This is a green area for walking, a fountain with an area of 250 square meters. m, attractions, a well-equipped skatepark with stairs, railings, edges, and jumps. Various concerts, exhibitions, and festivals are held here.
Virtual reality club VR games.
Gaming club PORTAL
Paintball club Diversion.

Where to stay in Astrakhan

Housing offers in Astrakhan are found throughout the city, but the White City - the historical center or areas near it - will be convenient and pleasant for tourists. The neighborhoods within the boundaries of the Volga, the Varvatsia Canal and the Kutum River are home to the Astrakhan Kremlin, the Brotherhood's Garden, many museums and ancient mansions. The best 4 and 5 star hotels in the city are also located here. There are few private offers in the very heart of the city; there is more choice in the rest of the city.

An excellent option for the summer is housing on the banks of the Volga, everyone will notice its wonderful view from the window. In addition to apartments, these include the Azimut and Grand Hotel Astrakhan hotels.

Astrakhan Hotels
Hostels for Budget Travelers
Flats and apartments
Guest houses in Astrakhan

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Astrakhan Local Lore Museum Photo: © vladkonst

Where to go with your child?

Taking care of a child in Astrakhan is not difficult. There are many options for cultural and entertainment programs:

Astrakhan Puppet Theater is a government agency operating since 1986. The repertoire includes many productions by famous authors from Russia and abroad, including Chukovsky, Marshak, Tolstoy. There is a summer theater area in the courtyard, and a puppet museum in the foyer. In addition to performances, various exhibitions, concerts, and festivals are organized.
Astrakhan State Circus . The poster can be viewed on the official website of the organization. This is a traditional domed building. The circus opened at the end of the 19th century.
Astrakhan Theater for Young Spectators. The repertoire includes more than 20 performances for children, including those based on the books of Uspensky, Ershov, Pushkin, Bazhov, Chukovsky, and Russian folk tales.
Toy Museum . It opened only 5 years ago. The collection is represented by dolls, cars, cubes, military equipment, submarines, boats, and the Soviet railway. There are very old exhibits, but they have been restored.
Amusement park "Planet" – the largest entertainment venue in the city. This is a convenient infrastructure, many attractions for every taste and age. There is a Ferris wheel, a race track, karting, an indoor play area for kids, and a petting zoo. There are two ponds and a small waterfall in the park. You can enjoy picturesque views, ride catamarans, and feed the swans. There is a restaurant where you can catch your own fish for lunch.
Entertainment centers Legion, Modis, Batutovo, Panama City, Orange, Pixel, Akula, Lazer Club.
Escape quests: Vlovushke, Expirium, GoodZone Club, Questoria.
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Waterpark Golden Club . It is located in the open air, so it starts working from the end of May. The complex features three swimming pools, five slides, a fountain, a dance floor, and tennis tables. There is a cafe and a bar, and parties are held.
AstraAqua – children's pool with elements of a water park.
Zoo "Baba Frosya" is an ethnic center for family recreation. These are thatched houses, an aqua zone with swimming pools, a fishing area on the pier, a playground for kids, and a stage for various events. There is a cafe with a children's menu, gazebos with barbecues. In the zoo you can see large and small predators, ungulates, primates, rodents, birds (including raptors), and reptiles.
Jungle House Petting Zoo. Here you can see silver fox, raccoons, squirrels, African hedgehogs, long-eared owls, and pythons.
Arcadia Park . Children here like the fountain and attractions: carousels, cars, trampolines, trains. There are extreme objects and areas for children.
Astrakhan Planetarium. Here educational lessons and lectures, master classes, educational games are held, you can watch a documentary or feature film about space.

4. Barn Batu

Saray Batu is one of the historical sights of Astrakhan, which are included in the cultural fund of the city. This is a unique site as it is still under excavation. It is located near the regional center (just over 100 km) and is a separate object for tourist excursions. The main feature of this attraction is that scientists have found multiple evidence of a unique fact: this ancient city was the center of the legendary empire - the “Golden Horde”. The historical achievements of municipal development of that time include the presence of such communications as water supply and city sewerage. On this territory there is a specially reconstructed area, which is an exact prototype of the Mongolian ulus, which is considered the main place for tourist excursions.

Where to go in the evening, at night?

For evening and night rest you can choose the following objects:

bowling in entertainment centers Panama City, Hobby Club, Treasure Island, Dair;
billiards in the clubs Zhemchuzhina, Apricole, Classic, Focus, Billiard Room, Egoist;
Chicago House Dance Club
karaoke clubs Selfie, Park of Culture, Mozart, Sinatra, Gazzetta or ZaPoi;
nightclubs of Monaco, Alen House, Galaxy, Phantom, Lost World, Life, 6th element, 52 Street, Hall, Provocateur.

In the evening, you should just take a walk around the city: the lights turn on, many attractions are illuminated. Before your trip, you should study the city's poster - planned concerts, exhibitions, festivals and other events.

Heydar Aliyev Square

Heydar Aliyev Square in Astrakhan was opened in 2011, marking the second interregional forum. This idea was born from Azerbaijani colleagues who proposed to develop the area around the monument to President Aliyev. This is how the square, the embankment and the area from Swan Lake to Vladimir Cathedral were improved. All design developments belong to Azerbaijani engineers. Almost all objects were financed within the framework of friendly interregional relations.

Cafes, restaurants

There are many food establishments in Astrakhan, you can find different cuisines of the world and different price categories. The following places deserve special attention:

cafe Rosemary, La Vanile, Shokoladnitsa, Pretzel, Falafel, Cutlet, Volga Street, Dair, Contrast Provence, Chaikofsky;
fine dining restaurants Shchuka, Trapeza, Volga-Volga;
local cuisine in the restaurants Izba, Poplavok, Almond, Shinok Lapti;
seafood at PastaPizza, Wine and Crabs, Sharlau, Sloboda on Marfinskaya;
Japanese cuisine in Cream Cafe, Spices, Bar House, Yamato, EurAsia, Kuk-si Kabi, Japan, Shiyama, Kuroshio, Sushitos;
Chinese cuisine in Beijing, Papa Po, Eurasia;
Italian menu at Crystal Coffee House, Camorra Pizza e Birra, Pio Pizza, Pecorino, Parasole, Yes! Pizza, Cult Cafe, Caesar Pizza, Celentano, Orange Cafe, Ricco, Pita's;
fast food at Subway, Burger club, Soup Station, McDonald's, VERY TASTY.

For more information about the city of Astrakhan and its interesting places, watch the following video:

All this information will allow you to create the optimal tourist route for every taste. You can relax and have fun in Astrakhan not only in a variety of ways, but also inexpensively. The listed objects are the most popular in the city, but the options for spending time are not limited to them.

John the Baptist Monastery

One of the religious buildings of Astrakhan, which dates back to the period of the medieval rise of Astrakhan. The building was built at the end of the 16th century, under the personal leadership of the Metropolitan of Astrakhan, who supervised its construction. The unique location and nature complement the beauty and grandeur of this attraction. The icon of John the Baptist was always kept in the temple, which was a particularly revered cult object for all times. At the end of the 18th century a parish school was opened. During the period of Soviet power, like all religious buildings, the monastery was transferred to the economic needs of the state and over time fell into disrepair. Currently, it has been fully restored and is operational.

City History Museum

This attraction of Astrakhan is worth a visit for those who want to get acquainted with the history of the city. This is one of many museums included in a single historical and architectural association of protected areas of the Astrakhan region. Initially, it was planned to create a museum of the Ulyanov family, which would contain real items of family life. However, over time it grew into a museum of peasant and craft life from the pre-revolutionary era. The first hall presents exhibits of bourgeois culture, then a room with the interior of a craftsman, then household items of the Ulyanov family and a hall - a sample dining room. The second floor is dedicated to education - the most eminent personalities of the city, people from the common people.

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