Top 29 Things To Do In Kaliningrad, Russia

1. Explore the naval history at the Museum of the World Ocean

The Museum of the World Ocean stores a plethora of wealth in relation to the naval history and science of Kaliningrad. Check out the aquarium in the main building and view its collection of corals and shells. Learn how to read the sea charts and marvel at the fish floating gracefully through their habitats. Study the tales of the natural peoples and marvel at their myths and legends. And don’t forget to stop by the gift shop to memorialize your time!

Museum of the World Ocean

Address: Naberezhnaya Petra Velikogo, 1, Kaliningrad, Kaliningradskaya oblast’, Russia, 236006

Website: Museum of the World Ocean

Opening hours: Wed - Sun: 10am - 6pm (closed on Mon & Tue)

2. Take in the beauty of the Königsberg Cathedral

Built in the Gothic architectural style, the Königsberg Cathedral is the burial place of German philosopher Immanuel Kant. Full to the brim with history, you will definitely want to set aside time to explore the cathedral and learn about the impact it has had on the city. Also, be sure to check out the schedule and plan an evening where you might listen to the organ recitals regularly performed in its hallowed halls.

Königsberg Cathedral

Address: Ulitsa Kanta, 1, Kaliningrad, Kaliningradskaya oblast’, Russia, 236039

Website: Königsberg Cathedral

Opening hours: 10am - 6pm (daily); concert times vary

3. Visit the wildlife at the Kaliningrad Zoo

The Kaliningrad Zoo is a great choice if you’re looking for an activity the whole family can enjoy. The Zoo is home to countless animals, including two gorgeous Amur tigers - Typhoon and Tatiana - who have become rather famous in a video of Tatiana rolling snowballs! With such playful creatures like this inhabiting the zoo, the kids are sure to have a wild time!

Kaliningrad Zoo

Address: Prospekt Mira, 26, Kaliningrad, Kaliningradskaya oblast’, Russia, 236022

Website: Kaliningrad Zoo

Opening hours: 9am - 8pm (daily)

Price: 11 USD onwards

4. Fulfill your wanderlust exploring the Curonian Spit

The Curonian Spit is a UNESCO World Heritage site at the border of Lithuania and Kaliningrad. Sometimes known as a world museum of ecosystems, this 98 km (60.9 mi) stretch of land is mostly sand dunes. However, as it rests against the Baltic Sea, you’ll expect to see beaches before they turn into sky-high dunes. What you won’t expect to find are the meadows, wetlands, and forests which also populate the Spit and make the landscape absolutely curious!

Curonian Spit

Address: 11 Verkhneozernaya Street, Kaliningrad 236008

Website: Curonian Spit

Price: 2.38 USD per person; 4.77 USD per vehicle

5. Wander through the Dancing Forest

Maybe dryads live in these trees, maybe it’s some scientifically complicated explanation, but no matter what the reason, no one can deny the uniqueness of the Dancing Forest. Take your camera and get your pose on, for this is the perfectly odd location for a photo shoot. Wander among the twisting, weaving, arching trunks and wonder like so many before you, how did this happen?

Dancing Forest

Address: Curonian Spit National Park, R515, Rybachy, Kaliningradskaya oblast’, Russia, 238535

6. Experience history firsthand at Fort XI Donhoff

Fort XI Donhoff is one of the best preserved forts owing to the fact that it was not bombed during WWII. The guides will walk you through the fort so you can see up close just what it was like to live and work in a military encampment. You’ll even be allowed free time so you can wander down to the moat and just take in the sights. With the history so well kept, you’ll want to make this one of your first stops in Kaliningrad so you might gain a deeper understanding of the history running deep in its veins.

Fort XI Donhoff

Address: Energetikov St., Kaliningrad, Russia

Website: Fort XI Donhoff

Opening hours: 11am - 5pm (daily)

7. Dive into WWII history at the Bunker Museum

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

This museum is history in and of itself. Formerly occupied by the Nazis in 1945, this has-been bomb shelter is now open for you to walk through its 21 rooms and learn mainly about the assault on the city of Konigsberg by the Soviets in 1945. Each room is set up to display the different situations and people involved in the siege of the city, giving guests a detailed picture of the event. Keep an eye out for the ground-level entrance, as the completely underground museum can be tricky to find, although it is well worth your search!

Bunker Museum

Address: Ulitsa Universitetskaya, 2, Kaliningrad, Kaliningradskaya oblast’, Russia, 236034

Website: Bunker Museum

Opening hours: 9am - 6pm (daily)

8. Take in the panoramic sights from the Viewing Tower Lighthouse

Climb up into the lighthouse and gaze over the water, allowing your mind to drift back years and years to when this was used as a beacon for those ships coming to shore. Or walk around to the other side and watch the hustle and bustle of the city from a place very much out of the way. As you walk up the 133 steps of the tower, rejuvenate yourself on the third floor at the coffee shop, and take it outside to sip on as you take in the scenery.

Viewing Tower Lighthouse

Address: Oktyabrskaya St., 8, Kaliningrad, Russia

Website: Viewing Tower Lighthouse

Opening hours: 10am - 10pm (daily)

Price: 1.59 USD

9. See the Sun Stone at the Amber Museum

This museum is gorgeous inside and out! It is dedicated solely to the role amber has to play in the history of the city. You’ll find the museum divided into three sections, each of which details a part of this role. The natural science section focuses on amber as a mineral and the different varieties of it, as well as an exhibit dedicated to the “Sun Stone,” the largest in Russia. In the cultural and historical sections of the museum, you will see various pieces of jewelry and household items which give you an all-encompassing idea of amber’s value to this culture!

Kaliningrad Amber Museum

Address: Ploshchad’ Marshala Vasilevskogo, 1, Kaliningrad, Kaliningradskaya oblast’, Russia, 236035

Website: Kaliningrad Amber Museum

Opening hours: 10am - 6pm (daily)

Price: 5 USD onwards

10. Wander through the quaint Victory Square

Located close to the heart of the city, Victory Square is a relaxing place for a stroll with many restaurants and shops to stop in as you go. Clover Mall and Christ the Savior Church are two of the main attractions in the square, but its simple beauty might keep you outside the whole time, just walking and relishing the greenery. Whether you want a pretty place to eat, or just a park bench to chill on, Victory Square is ideal for any time of the day!

Victory Square

Address: Victory Square, Kaliningrad, Kaliningradskaya oblast’, Russia

11. Trick your brain inside the Upside Down House

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

The Upside Down House is one of the attractions at the Youth Recreation Park! Get a trip walking into the dizzying two-story home, exploring the nooks and crannies. Don’t look at the floor, nothing exciting to see down there, because it’s all on the ceiling! Make sure you leave no door unopened, no corner unchecked, for throughout the place you will find anomalies adapted to living in an inverted world!

Upside Down House (Perevornutyy Dom)

Address: Ulitsa Tel'mana, 3, Kaliningrad, Kaliningradskaya oblast’, Russia, 236029

Opening hours: 11am - 10pm (daily)

12. Travel through history at the Friedland Gate Museum

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

This museum within the historical Friedland Gate itself presents countless photographs, paintings, and art of mixed media to present its curators with images of everything from Prussian history to graphic representations of famous Russian novels. Outside, admire the architecture dating back to 1862 and witness the history of the Friedland Gate as a part of the fortification of Konigsburg. This is definitely an interesting stop and a must-see for the art lover!

Friedland Gates Museum

Address: Ulitsa Dzerzhinskogo, 30, Kaliningrad, Kaliningradskaya oblast’, Russia, 236004

Website: Friedland Gates Museum

Opening hours: 10am - 6pm (daily)

Price: 2 USD onwards

13. Wander into the greenery of the Botanical Garden

No matter what season you visit, the Botanical Gardens are sure to entertain you with a floral show of rich colors and fragrant aromas. Marvel at the delicate, well-tended flowers as you walk down the path surrounded in greenery. The grounds are expansive, so make sure you set aside the time in order to fully appreciate the natural beauty.

Botanical Garden

Address: Ulitsa Lesnaya, 12, Kaliningrad, Kaliningradskaya oblast’, Russia, 236029

Website: Botanical Garden

Opening hours: 10am - 7pm (daily)

Price: 1.59 USD

14. Experience royalty at the King's Gate

Another one of Kaliningrad’s famous gates, the King’s Gate, was constructed in 1765 but has since undergone many renovations due to vandalism and damages inflicted upon it during WWII. Now it holds “The Grand Embassy” museum where you can learn much about the origin and development of the fortress which surrounded the town, as well as gain a deeper understanding of the traditions of this town’s culture!

King's Gate

Address: Ulitsa Frunze, 112, Kaliningrad, Kaliningradskaya oblast’, Russia, 236038

Website: King’s Gate

Opening hours: Wed, Fri - Sun: 11am - 7pm; Thu: 12pm - 8pm (closed on Mon & Tues)

15. Get astonished at the mighty Friedrichsburg Gate Museum

The Friedrichsburg Gate belongs to the Museum of the World Ocean but holds its own center for exploration in the Lodejny Shipyard and the museum within the gate itself. Dedicated to the revival of historical ships and the education of shipbuilding, you’ll find everything you needed to know about ship frames and sails, types of knots, and even famous Russian sailors. And when you’ve walked through the museum, stand out in the courtyard and bask in the majesty of the gate because its architecture is a museum of art in itself.

Friedrichsburg Gate Museum

Address: Ulitsa Portovaya, 39, Kaliningrad, Kaliningradskaya oblast’, Russia, 236013

Website: Friedrichsburg Gate Museum

Opening hours: Wed - Sun: 10am - 6pm (closed on Mon & Tues)

16. Check out the perfectly preserved Altes Haus apartment

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Touch the books, sit on the sofa, strum the violin, clink the teacups, switch on the lamp - nothing is off limits at this totally hands-on apartment-turned-museum! Everything, from the carpets to the chairs to the window hangings are authentic pieces of history displayed to allow each guest the experience of what life would have been like at the beginning of the 20th century. So what’re you waiting for? Your guide is waiting to take you to time traveling!

Museum Altes Haus

Address: Ulitsa Krasnaya, 11, Kaliningrad, Kaliningradskaya oblast’, Russia, 236022

Website: Museum Altes Haus

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 11am - 12:30pm, 1pm - 2:30pm, 3pm - 4:30pm (closed on Sun)

Price: 6.36 USD

17. Enjoy cycling or walking around the Verkhneye Lake

This beautiful lake is located centrally to many other attractions in Kaliningrad which makes it the perfect activity for a day when you need to kick back and relax a bit. Scattered along the banks are various shops and neighborhoods, as well as restaurants, so you’ll have a wide variety to choose from regarding things to do. And, as always, there’s the option of just resting on the shore and listening to the water as it gently flows by, taking in the beauty of the surrounding city.

Verkhneye Lake

Address: Upper Pond, Kaliningrad, Kaliningrad Oblast, Russia

18. Drift into a musical world at the Philharmonic Hall

The Philharmonic Hall prizes its title of being the musical emblem of the city with its rich history. Built from 1904-1907, this used-to-be church was seriously damaged during WWII, but was restored to become the treasure-trove of music as it is today. From music festivals to soloist performances, and grand organ compositions, you won’t want to miss the musical history resting within these neo-gothic walls.

Philharmonic Hall

Address: Ulitsa Bogdana Khmel'nitskogo, 61а, Kaliningrad, Kaliningradskaya oblast’, Russia, 236039

Website: [Philharmonic Hall (http://kenigfil.ru/)

Opening hours: 11am - 7pm (daily)

19. Have a rich Russian lunch at the famous Khmel'

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Khmel’ prides itself on not only its traditional Russian dishes but also the beers they serve at this highly reviewed “beer restaurant.” Decorated industrially with its steel beams, dark wooden accents, and dim mood lighting, you’ll feel all kinds of vibes in its brew house-inspired interior. Order classic dishes such as venison, wild boar, sterlet, pair it with a frosty pint and nourish not only your body but also your soul.

Khmel

Address: TC “Clover, Ploshchad ‘Pobedy, 10, 2nd floor,, Kaliningrad, Kaliningrad Oblast, Russia, 236006

Website: Khmel

Opening hours: 12pm - 1am (daily)

Price: 10 USD

20. Thrill your inner child at Park Yunost' Kaliningrad

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Park Yunost’ Kaliningrad offers all kinds of adventures perfect for kids and adults alike! Walk through the park, stopping to ride on attractions along the way! Get a bird’s eye view of the city from way up at the top of the Ferris wheel. Or, check the schedule to watch a live performance! With so many family-friendly festivals and celebrations, this park will be offering something new every time you visit!

Park Yunost' Kaliningrad

Address: Ulitsa Tel'mana, 3, Kaliningrad, Kaliningradskaya oblast’, Russia, 236029

Website: Park Yunost’ Kaliningrad

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 11am - 9pm; Sat - Sun: 10am - 10pm

21. Discover the research vessel RV Vityaz

This breath-taking ship was built in 1939 and shortly thereafter requisitioned by the Kriegsmarine in World War II. Serving her captain as a hospital ship and then as an evacuation transport, many people were impacted by her military role. She has survived many voyages, the changing of many hands and captains, as well as severe damage in a bombing. After the war, she was employed as a research ship, but now she resides in peace at the Museum of World Oceans where you can learn even more about her service.

RV Vityaz

Address: Naberezhnaya Petra Velikogo, 1, Kaliningrad, Kaliningradskaya oblast’, Russia, 236006

Website: RV Vityaz

Opening hours: Wed - Sun: 10am - 6pm (closed on Mon & Tues)

22. Get inspired at the Church of the Holy Family

This inspiring church towers above the city as a historical reference to the purpose it served in housing the Catholic immigrants who were seeking refuge in the city a century ago. It was built during 1904 and 1907 and was left mostly unharmed during WWII. Today you can admire its brick structure and bright teal spire from the outside, or venture inside to stand in the majesty of its lofty skeleton. Now it is home to the Kaliningrad Philharmonic, so if you want to hear the sounds of its massive pipe organ, be sure to check the schedule for performance times.

Church of the Holy Family

Address: Ulitsa Bogdana Khmel'nitskogo, 63а, Kaliningrad, Kaliningradskaya oblast’, Russia, 236039

Opening hours: 10am - 6pm (daily)

23. Sway to the funky tunes at the Kaliningrad City Jazz Festival

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Who doesn’t love an open-air music festival? Well, Kaliningrad hosts its very own Jazz Fest every year at the end of July, beginning of August! This three-day music festival brings together musicians and singers from all over Europe for a weekend performance unlike any other! Listen to music genres like jazz, funk, and blues, as well as some more contemporary sounds you mightn’t have heard before. So get your tickets before this sells out because you won’t want to miss this!

Kaliningrad City Jazz Festival

Address: Prospekt Pobedy, 1, Kaliningrad, Kaliningradskaya oblast’, Russia, 236022

Website: Kaliningrad City Jazz Festival

Opening hours: 2nd to 4th Aug 2019: Fri - Sun: 6pm - 12am

Price: 19.07 USD onwards

24. Relax in the cozy Fishing Village

The Fishing Village offers a resting place after a long day of sightseeing Kaliningrad. Sit at one of the many restaurants and people watch for a little, sipping on a coffee. Or, walk along the riverside and watch the boats float serenely past. Be sure to check out the historical Jubilee Bridge, connecting the street Oktyabrskaya with street Epronovskaya over the Pregolya River. With its beautiful red-roofed, creamy-walled buildings, this picturesque village is sure to steal your heart.

Fishing Village

Address: Oktyabrskaya St, 8 | Oktyabrsky Island, Kaliningrad 236039, Russia

25. Travel through history at the Brandenburg Gate

The Brandenburg Gate, originally built in 1697 and renovated some two hundred years later, is one of the seven gates left standing in Kaliningrad. It is well worth your time considering the history stored in its arches. It maintains its neogothic style and is quite a mosaic of flowers, coats of arms, and medallions in its decorations. As it is the only bridge still in operation for the railroad, you’ll be able to get a little taste of the history, as well as the traditional art, giving Kaliningrad its flavor.

Brandenburg Gate

Address: Ulitsa Bagrationa, 137, Kaliningrad, Kaliningradskaya oblast’, Russia, 236039

Opening hours: 10am - 9pm (daily)

26. See all of Russia in an hour at the Miniatures Park

Located in the South Park of Kaliningrad, this intriguing little village of miniatures allows you to get an up-close and personal look at some of the architectural phenomenons which add to this country’s identity. Gaze at the colorful spires of St. Basil’s Cathedral – at eye level – as well as many different government buildings and landmarks! Originally designed as an educational experience for children, this stop is one that even adults will enjoy, especially if you won’t have time to visit the rest of Russia during your visit.

Miniatures Park

Address: Kalinina Ave., Kaliningrad 236039, Russia

Opening hours: Sat - Sun: 10am - 9pm (closed Mon - Fri)

27. Dine in luxury at the waterfront restaurant Rybnyy Klub

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

For you, seafood lovers, make yourself a reservation ASAP at this classy joint! It is one of Kaliningrad’s more expensive restaurants, but the mouth-watering menu and the waterfront views make it well worth it. Situated right on the Pregolya River, you’ll be able to relax in the formal dining room and watch as the river wanders past. The chefs are more than happy to prepare their gourmet creations to suit your tastes, so you’re sure to receive just what you were looking for at Rybnyy Klub.

Rybnyy Klub

Address: Ulitsa Oktyabr'skaya, 4А, Kaliningrad, Kaliningradskaya oblast’, Russia, 236006

Website: Rybnyy Klub

Opening hours: 12pm - 12am (daily)

28. Enjoy a drink at the infamous Harry Johnson’s Bar

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Known for their cocktails, Harry Johnson’s Bar has been thrilling their customers with their dedication to making the best mixes in town. They have four categories of cocktails on their menu from which you can choose your favorite concoction. Have the bartender whip up something tried-and-true from the Classics menu. Get a history lesson with the antique flavors of the Historical menu. Sip something unique and luxurious off the Author’s menu. Or melt into the orange sunset with a mojito on the Summer menu. No matter what you choose, your tastebuds will love you!

Harry Johnson’s Bar

Address: Prospekt Mira, 10, Kaliningrad, Kaliningradskaya oblast’, Russia, 236022

Website: Harry Johnson’s Bar

Opening hours: 24/7

29. Dance until dawn at Vagonka Nightclub

One of the oldest clubs in Kaliningrad, Vagonka is a two-story place with two bars and a dance floor that has seen many shuffling feet! This is just the place you want to be on a weekend night, basking in the neon glow and vibing to the bass as it pulses through the dancers. With a schedule jam-packed with concerts and DJs, there will never be a night when there is nothing going down here!

Vagonka Nightclub

Address: Ulitsa Stanochnaya, 12, Kaliningrad, Kaliningradskaya oblast’, Russia, 236000

Website: Vagonka Nightclub

Opening hours: Fri - Sat: 11pm - 5am (closed Sun - Thu)

Incredible experiences in Kaliningrad

No matter what you choose to fill your itinerary with, Kaliningrad’s multiple historical spots, museums, and entertainment venues are sure to enchant you with the charm of this city! So get exploring because there is a ton to experience!