10 Best Things To Do In Krasnoyarsk, Russia

1. Visit the historic Chasovnya Paraskevy Pyatnitsy and learn about its interesting origins

Chasovnya Paraskevy Pyatnitsy or Chapel of the Holy Great Martyr Paraskeva Pyatnitsa is a unique octahedral tower found at the highest point of Krasnoyarsk. The first structure on this site was a wooden watchtower, meant to keep sudden attacks from happening. In the 18th century, a cross was erected and it is said that Saint Paraskeva was sighted. A church then appeared after her sighting and was named after her. There are other origin stories which locals will be glad enough to tell anyone who asks.

Thanks to the elevated vantage point, the site of this historic chapel is a favorite among locals and visitors. You’ll enjoy panoramic views of the city from up there and can even attend a religious service if the spirit moves you.

Chasovnya Paraskevy Pyatnitsy

Address: Ulitsa Stepana Razina, 51, Krasnoyarsk, Krasnoyarsk Krai, Russia, 660043

Website: Chasovnya Paraskevy Pyatnitsy

2. Synchronize your watch with Krasnoyarsk Big Ben

Krasnoyarsk Big Ben is attached to the city administration building. It was set in 2001 and has been a landmark ever since. Visitors are quick to compare it to the famous Gothic structure in London, but this city’s version is a more streamlined one with a modern facade. It’s best visited in the evening when it’s illuminated and stands out against the night sky.

The tower is located in a busy area near Theater Square, but you can drop by anytime. That said, you’ll get better photos at night when there are fewer photobombers around.

Krasnoyarsk Big Ben

Address: Ulitsa Veynbauma, 94к, Krasnoyarsk, Krasnoyarsk Krai, Russia, 660049

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

3. Have fun at Каток о.Татышев

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

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Каток о.Татышев is an ice skating rink located in Tatyshev Park, a green island in the heart of the city. Come winter, locals and tourists flock to this skating rink, the biggest in the city. You can bring your own skates if you’re planning to visit in the winter, or simply rent them once you get here. There will be music playing, loud enough to cheer everyone up as they skate around the rink.

When you need to warm up, there’s a cafe in the rental room where you can take a break and have some snacks. The winter season in Russia lasts from November to March, so you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the ice. Cross the bridge and mingle with the locals.

Каток о.Татышев

Address: Ulitsa Ostrov Tatyshev, Krasnoyarsk, Krasnoyarsk Krai, Russia, 660133

Website: Каток о.Татышев

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

Price: 80 RUB (1.10 USD) onwards

4. Examine art and historical artifacts at Krasnoyarskiy Krayevoy Krayevedcheskiy Muzey

If you’re into art and history, a visit to Krasnoyarskiy Krayevoy Krayevedcheskiy Muzey is a must. The museum has several branches of interest, from steamships to natural science. Once you’re done wandering through the fascinating exhibits, you can join excursions that will take you around the historic spots in the city.

Feel free to check the museum’s website to see which excursions are available at the time of your visit. If you’re traveling with children, there are fun options for them, as well. Some areas of study to choose from include Revived Giants of Antiquity, The Natural Heritage of the Krasnoyarsk Territory, and The Legend of the Yenisei Land.

Krasnoyarskiy Krayevoy Krayevedcheskiy Muzey

Address: Dubrovinskogo St, 84, Krasnoyarsk, Krasnoyarsk Krai, Russia, 660049

Website: Krasnoyarskiy Krayevoy Krayevedcheskiy Muzey

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

Price: 150 RUB (2 USD onwards)

5. Let your inner child out at Krasnoyarsk Central Park

Krasnoyarsk Central Park is a public park that was founded in the early 19th century. It started as a city garden and is now spread across 15 acres (6 hectares) of land. Visitors will find many exciting rides for both children and adults. In the winter, the park becomes flooded with ice-skating enthusiasts, thanks to its beautiful, seasonal ice skating rink. While winters are frigid here, the freezing temperatures may be worth the experience.

The park is also a popular site for public dance, puppet shows, theater performances, and concerts. To catch up with the social media age, Wi-Fi coverage is being expanded, as well.

Krasnoyarsk Central Park

Address: Karla Marksa St, 151, Krasnoyarsk, Krasnoyarsk Krai, Russia, 660021

Website: Krasnoyarsk Central Park

Opening hours: 11am - 11pm (daily)

6. Climb Karaul'naya Gora and enjoy the view from the top

Karaul'naya Gora is a historic and symbolic mountain in Krasnoyarsk. It boasts an elevation of 347 meters (1138.5 feet) and was the site of a Cossack watchtower in the 17th century. “Karaul” means to stand guard and a cannon was placed on the mountain in honor of the Cossacks and their service.

If you get to the top at midday, don’t be alarmed by the cannon blast as it fires a blank daily around that time. This is also the site of the famous Chapel of the Holy Great Martyr Paraskeva Pyatnitsa, so you’ll be hitting two birds with one stone.

Karaul'naya Gora

Address: Primorsky Krai, Russia, 692319

7. Shop 'til you drop at Planeta

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

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Planeta is one of the biggest shopping centers in Russia, with over 200 stores and 26 restaurants (and counting). Visitors will also find many forms of entertainment here, including an aquarium complex, an amusement park, a cinema that plays movies in RealD format, and more.

Planeta is categorized as a super-regional shopping center, catering to about 900,000 people in surrounding areas. Family-friendly services include family restrooms, a mother and child room, free stroller rentals, and free “Anti-Lost” bracelets.

Planeta

Address: 9th Maya St, 77, Krasnoyarsk, Krasnoyarsk Krai, Russia, 660125

Website: Planeta

Opening hours: 10am - 10pm (daily)

8. Strike a pose with the sculptures at Rivers of Siberia

The fountain of Rivers of Siberia is located in Krasnoyarsk Square, between Krasnoyarsk State Opera and Ballet Theater and the Yenisei river embankment. It’s the first cascading fountain in the Federal District of Siberia, and it’s a stunning sight. The elegant bronze sculptures that surround it pay homage to the rivers of Siberia, and each one stands at a height of at least 2 meters (6.8 feet). The biggest and sole male sculpture, representing the Yenisei, is the tallest and heaviest, standing at 3 meters (9.8 feet) and weighing 850 kilograms (1874 pounds).

The Yenisei River is the fifth-longest river in the world and flows into the Arctic Ocean. While there are many fountains in Krasnoyarsk, this is probably the best. Make sure to take photos of the seven beautiful ladies and the mighty Yenisei for your socials.

Rivers of Siberia

Address: Bograda St, 21, Krasnoyarsk, Krasnoyarsk Krai, Russia, 660049

Website: Rivers of Siberia

Opening hours: Sun: 7:15am - 12am; Mon - Sat: 8am - 11pm

9. Have fun with science at Galileo Miracle Park

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Are you visiting Krasnoyarsk with your family? Perhaps you’d like to include Galileo Miracle Park in your itinerary. Your children will have tons of fun and learn at the same time in this educational amusement park.

Together you’ll find feats of engineering, fun illusions, and cool exhibits. You can even participate in interactive programs, with hundreds of experiments to choose from. The park makes learning an enjoyable experience and you may go home with a future scientist or engineer in tow.

Galileo Miracle Park

Address: Imeni Gazety Krasnoyarskiy Rabochiy Ave, 27 ст4, Krasnoyarsk, Krasnoyarsk Krai, Russia, 660037

Website: Galileo Miracle Park

Opening hours: 10am - 8pm (daily)

Price: 400 RUB (5.5 USD) onwards

10. Conquer your fear of heights and climb Skala Ermak

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

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Skala Ermak or Ermak Rock is one of the pillar stones in the Takmakovsky area of Stolby National Nature Reserve. It’s made up of three large rocks that are not too steep, so this is a good place to start for rock-climbing beginners. In fact, the reserve recommends this for all ages and fitness levels. The middle rock is the highest at 40 meters (131 feet), and reaching the top will give you a great vantage point for stunning panoramic views of the Takmakovsky region, the city of Krasnoyarsk, and the Torgashinsky ridge.

To reach Skala Ermak, you’ll be following a 2.5-mile (4-kilometer) route through a steep forest, but you can take a break at an observation deck with a gazebo. Stolby National Nature Reserve is a bit far from the city center, so do plan to make a day of it. Rest assured that the trip will be well worth it. Do note that there are wild animals in the area, so be sure not to touch or feed them.

Skala Ermak at Stolby National Nature Reserve

Address: Krasnoyarsk, Krasnoyarsk Krai, Russia, 660054

Website: Stolby National Nature Reserve

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Discover the hidden wonders of Krasnoyarsk

Krasnoyarsk boasts a wide selection of attractions, from historic structures to modern marvels. Explore each one on this eclectic list and enjoy all the wonderful sights that you’ll find in between.