Popularly known as the Rostov, Rostov-on-Don is a seaport in the Southern Federal District of Russia. Situated on the banks of the Don River, it is the center of the administrative, educational, cultural and industrial market. Founded in 1749 as the customs port of Temernika, Rostov has a unique outlook because of its rich cultural and historical heritage. Tourists will enjoy a leisurely stroll on Pushkin Street, which is lined with restaurants, benches, memorials, statues, and thousands of trees and flowers. Families with children can pay a visit to the Rostov Zoo, where they can come across a huge variety of animals. Visitors can also catch a dramatic play, concerts and comedy shows at the Maxim Gorky Academic Drama Theatre. Nightlife is also an integral part in Rostov-on-Don, and tourists looking for some fun can visit the Don River lookout area. Here’s a look at some interesting things to do in Rostov-on-Don, Russia.
1. Explore the much-famed Rostov-on-Don Cathedral
Built between 1854 - 1860, this cathedral acts as an important place of worship in the Don region. Tourists often pay a visit to this cathedral to pay homage and marvel at the Russian-Byzantine style that adorns the walls of the building. Explore the stunning masterpiece and come across the three-tiered iconostasis. It is made in the form of a chapel, topped with a hipped roof and cupola. The 75-meter (246-foot) high bell tower is another popular attraction here. It has classic and renaissance features.
Rostov Virgin's Nativity Cathedral
Address: Ulitsa Stanislavskogo, 58, Rostov, Rostovskaya oblast’, Russia, 344002
2. Browse through the Open-Air Museum of Railway Equipment
Train lovers visiting the city of Rostov-on-Don must make it a point to browse through the Open-Air Museum of Railway Equipment. Check out the interesting exhibits featuring items from the beginning of the 20th century. This place is filled with a huge collection of old railway machines, trains from the Stalin-Gorbachev period, locomotives, and even a tank. Children will have an enjoyable time over here, as they can climb the trains and have a look inside them.
Open-Air Museum of Railway Equipment
Address: Kazachiy Lane, 44A, Rostov-on-Don 344033, Russia
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 10am - 5pm (closed on Sun)
3. Pay your respects for the Red Army soldiers at the Ploshchad Sovetov
Ploshchad’ Sovetov is commonly known as the Soviets Square, which is situated in Kirovskiy District. Tourists will find a colossal monument over here, which was built in remembrance of the Red Army soldiers who took part in the 1917-1923 Russian Civil War. Previously, this place was home to the Alexandro-Nevsky Cathedral, which you can also visit. Pay your respects and pose to click pictures in front of the monument.
Ploshchad' Sovetov
Address: Rostov, Rostovskaya oblast’, Russia, 344010
4. Spend some relaxing time on Pushkin Street - named after Alexander Pushkin
Named after Russian poet Alexander Pushkin, Pushkinskaya Street is located parallel to the Don River. Spend some relaxing time in Pushkin Street, take a walk past old houses, university buildings and the Don State Public Library. Stop by the cafes to savor some freshly brewed coffee, or just sit back and relax in one of the nearby parks. Pushkin Street is filled with shops and tourists can visit them to buy souvenirs for their friends and family back home.
Pushkinskaya Ulitsa
Address: Pushkinskaya ulitsa, Rostov-on-Don 344049, Russia
5. Visit the colossal Rostov Zoo with your children
Plan a day out with children and take them to the colossal Rostov Zoo, which extends over 90 acres (36.4 hectares) and is home to more than 5000 animals. Being one of the largest zoos in Russia, tourists can come across tigers, lions, pygmy hippopotamuses, Asian elephants, Dagestan and Bezoar goats, Siamese crocodiles, and flamingos. This zoo was the first one in Europe to breed white-tailed eagles, and it also features an underwater world boasting of crocodiles from Southeast Asia, snakes from Central Asia, Africa, and America, and a variety of turtles.
Rostov Zoo
Address: Ulitsa Zoologicheskaya, 3, Rostov, Rostovskaya oblast’, Russia, 344039
Website: Rostov Zoo
Opening hours: 8am - 6pm (daily)
6. Ride the Eye of the Ferris Wheel Odno Nebo
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Located in the October Revolution Park, Eye of the Ferris Wheel Odno Nebo is a new and popular landmark in the city. Enjoy a panoramic view of the city from the top, while riding the Ferris Wheel. This modern and comfortable piece of entertainment offers 250 rounds per ride, and it is considered to be the second biggest ride in Europe. With nice and clean cabins, tourists can also book a full cabin for a romantic date night with their partner.
October Revolution Park
Address: Teatral'naya Ploshchad’, 3, Rostov, Rostovskaya oblast’, Russia, 344019
Website: October Revolution Park
Opening hours: 10am - 10pm (daily)
7. Spend an amazing time with your family at the H2O Aquapark
Families with children will have an amazing time visiting the H2O Aquapark, which is a large indoor family water park. Featuring four pools, water slides and sauna baths with different themes, this park is a popular attraction. From the Space Hole, Tsunami, Multiband, and Magic Hole to free fall, Flying Boats, body slide, and the Black Hole, there are multiple high-speed water slides. If you are interested in swimming, head to the Fast River, Spa Bowl, Pirate Town, sports pool, and wave pool for an exciting time.
H2O
Address: Prospekt Mikhaila Nagibina, 34, Rostov, Rostovskaya oblast’, Russia, 344068
Website: H2O
Opening hours: 10am - 10pm (daily)
8. Shop for souvenirs at Rostov’s Central Market
Popularly known as Starbaz, Rostov’s Central Market is a trading enterprise in Rostov-on-Don. Check out the local fruit market stationed here along with the fish and meat, and chicken shops. Tourists can even buy local handicrafts at a bargain here.
Rostov’s Central Market
Address: Budyonnovskiy Ave., 12, Rostov-on-Don, Russia
Website: Rostov’s Central Market
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 8am - 4pm, Mon: 8am - 6pm
9. Explore the embankment by Don River
Relax and unwind along the beautiful embankment, which is located beside the Don River and is filled with lovely cozy areas. Sit on the benches and admire the stunning beauty of the river, or just take a leisurely stroll with friends. Tourists can also plan a picnic over here, and children can ride their bicycles along the many trails by the river. Watch ships, boats, and ferries pass by or admire the sculptures stationed in the adjoining area. Visitors can also cross the Voroshilovgrad Bridge over the river, in order to reach the Stadium Rostov Arena.
Rostov-on-Don embankment
Address: Beregovaya St, Rostov-on-Don, Russia
10. Stroll across the notable Bolshaya Sadovaya Street
The main street in Rostov-on-Don, Bolshaya Sadovaya Street runs parallel to the Don River and features many notable buildings. Pay a visit to the Rostov City Hall, or watch a play at the Rostov State Musical Theatre, or take a tour of the Southern Federal University. You can also click pictures in front of the Chernova House. Named after Friedrich Engels, this street housed a lot of banks, hotels, shops and private houses in the 19th century.
Bol'shaya Sadovaya Ulitsa
Address: Main street in Rostov-on-Don, Russia
11. Appreciate the enthusiastic puppeteers at the Rostov State Puppet Theatre
Founded in 1935, Rostov State Puppet Theatre is one of the oldest in the country and it started with the acts of M. Kushnarenko, N. Smirnova, and A. Dora puppeteers. Performances like Turnip, Ivan Tsarevich and the Grey wolf, Marushka and Baba Yaga, Little Red Riding Hood, and more are shown here regularly. Needless to say, it attracts a number of children. Appreciate the performances of the enthusiastic puppeteers at this theater.
Rostov State Puppet Theater
Address: Universitetskiy Pereulok, 46, Rostov, Rostovskaya oblast’, Russia, 344006
Website: Rostov State Puppet Theater
12. Catch a live show at The Rostov Academic Drama Theater of Gorkiy
If you are interested to catch a live play when on a trip to Rostov-on-Don, pay a visit to The Rostov Academic Drama Theater of Gorkiy. Admire the architecture of this incredible building. The theater boasts of a talented cast, unusual decorations, and music. Constructed in 1935, this theatre features three halls - the Big Audience Hall with 1165 seats, the Small Audience Hall for 300 seats and the Experimental Stage for 70 seats.
The Rostov Academic Drama Theater of Gorkiy
Address: Ploshchad’ Svobody, 3, Rostov, Rostovskaya oblast’, Russia, 344019
13. Let your kids interact with the dolphins at the Dolphinarium
Posted by Rostov-on-Don on Friday, 21 September 2018
Take your kids to Dolphinarium, where they can interact with dolphins and watch an unforgettable show with the participation of talented marine artists. Get amused by stunning performances by the trained bottlenose dolphins, beluga whales, and northern fur seals. Tourists can also opt for an unforgettable bathing experience with the dolphins and can pose to click pictures with them. Kids can take part in dolphin therapy programs.
Dolphinarium
Address: Kommunisticheskiy Prospekt, 36/4, Rostov, Rostovskaya oblast’, Russia, 344090
Website: Dolphinarium
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 10am - 8pm (closed on Mon)
14. Catch a game of football at the Rostov Arena
Situated on the left bank of the Don River, Rostov Arena is a popular tourist attraction. An ideal hotspot for sports lovers, Rostov Arena was built for the 2018 World Cup. Currently, it has become the new home for FC Rostov, and it hosts a capacity of 45000 people. Catch a live football match at the Rostov Arena, and cheer for your favorite team.
Rostov Arena
Address: Rostov-on-Don, Rostov Oblast, Russia, 344002
Website: Rostov Arena
15. Get a chance to visit the iconic Voroshilovsky Bridge
Voroshilovsky bridge was built between the years 1961 to 1965. It spans the Don River and connects Rostov with Bataisk and Azov. Visit the iconic structure, pose for pictures against the stunning backdrop, and enjoy strolling along the bridge with your loved ones. The picturesque silhouette of the bridge attracts thousands of tourists and locals, from where they can get a panoramic view of the city. The bridge is an engineering marvel due to the smooth curvature of the spans and the strict supports.
Voroshilovsky bridge
Address: Voroshilovskiy Most, Rostov, Rostovskaya oblast’, Russia, 344002
16. Wonder at the Monument "Tachanka-Rostovite"
Located near the general highway between Bataisk and Rostov, Monument “Tachanka-Rostovite” is set on a small hill. Popular among the locals, many young couples visit this place to pose and click pictures in front of the monument. Wonder at the sculptural landmark, which features four horses merged into a single movement with a machine gun, and it is visible from all sides.
Monument "Tachanka-Rostovite"
Address: Rostov-on-Don, Rostov Oblast, Russia, 344002
Opening hours: 24/7
17. Embrace and have fun with science at the Laboratorium Interactive Science Museum
Laboratorium is an interactive science museum for children, where they can have fun with science and be a part of educational programs, hands-on exhibits, workshops, and shows. Explore the various aspects of science in this breathtaking place, and the attractions will keep your interest piqued at all times. The interactive shows will help you learn scientific facts about your day-to-day life activities and will also allow you to perform practical experiments.
Laboratorium
Address: Ulitsa Tekucheva, 97, Rostov, Rostovskaya oblast’, Russia, 344013
Website: Laboratorium
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 10am - 7pm, Sat - Sun: 10am - 8pm
18. Explore Rostov Museum of Astronautics
If you are exploring the Scientific and Educational Vertical complex, make it a point to visit the Rostov Museum of Astronautics. School students can also participate in the Junior Club of Astronautics “Galaxy”. Kids can also study the features of an orbiting flight by using the instruments and devices used in spaceships and space stations. Apart from that, you can also browse through a collection of costumes, tools, and food, which were used by astronauts in space.
Rostov Museum of Astronautics
Address: Stachki Ave., 231/2, Rostov-on-Don 344000, Russia
19. Get key insights into the city's development at the Chernova House
Built by architect N.A. Doroshenko in the year 1899, Chernova House is a huge mansion. It is of great regional importance. With high ceilings and luxurious interior decorations, this place was used to host VIP events during the 20th century. Take a tour of the house and get key insights into how Chernova developed along with the city.
Chernova House
Address: Pereulok Khalturinskiy, 47, Rostov, Rostovskaya oblast’, Russia, 344002
Opening hours: 24/7
20. Watch playful flamingos and peacocks at the October Revolution Park
October Revolution Park is situated in the center of the city near Teatralnaya Square, and it is one of the favorite vacation spots for Rostov dwellers. With a number of attractions, children playgrounds, cafes, and souvenir stalls, this park is rich in greenery. Plan a visit to this park, where you can meet the exotic inhabitants including swans, flamingos, cranes, and peacocks, or explore a variety of plants or meet the city birds including the turtle dove, swifts, sparrows, jays, magpies, and many more. Tourists can also engage themselves in playing a football or table tennis match or can go ice skating.
October Revolution Park
Address: Teatral'naya Ploshchad’, 3, Rostov, Rostovskaya oblast’, Russia, 344019
Website: October Revolution Park
Opening hours: 10am - 10pm (daily)
21. Experience tranquillity in St. Iver Monastery
St. Iver Monastery is located in a peaceful and beautiful place, far away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Soak in some tranquil vibe at this place. The monastery and the church, are open to all visitors. Pay your holy respects in the church and take a tour inside the monastery, after which you can enjoy a leisurely stroll in the beautiful fruit garden, which is filled with flowers during the summer season. Tourists can also visit the sacred spring, which is located only a few miles away from this monastery.
St. Iver Monastery
Address: Neklinovskaya, 4, Rostov-on-Don 344064, Russia
Website: St. Iver Monastery
Opening hours: 7am - 7pm (daily)
22. Discover the ruins at Paramonovskie Sklady
Paramonovskie Sklady is one of the most unusual and popular hotspots in the southern region of Rostov-on-Don. Located just by the city’s beautiful Don embankment, these buildings are the ruins of a 19th-century warehouse complex. A unique swimming pool has been built amidst the warehouses featuring waterfalls and it attracts thousands of locals and tourists.
Paramonovskie Sklady
Address: Beregovaya St., 47, Rostov-on-Don 344022, Russia
23. Pay your respects at Zmievskaya Balka Memorial
Remember the victims of the ruthless Second World War at the Zmievskaya Balka Memorial. Memorial services are held here every year to remember the victims of the atrocities of the Second World War. The Memorial is a monumental sculpture made of grey concrete. The figure of the woman in the center symbolizes the Motherland.
Zmievskaya Balka Memorial Complex
Address: Zmiyevskiy Proyezd, 1, Rostov, Rostovskaya oblast’, Russia, 344041
Opening hours: Tue, Thu, Sat: 10am - 2pm (closed on Mon, Wed, Fri & Sun)
24. Ride a yacht over Don River
Go on a romantic cruise with your loved ones on the Don River, which is one of the major rivers in Russia. It passes through the towns of Novomoskovsk, Tula, and Moscow, before flowing into the Sea of Azov. The area surrounding the Don River is well known for its rich harvest and wineries, and therefore tourists on a cruise can participate in wine-tasting activities. The cruises don’t last longer than a week as the navigation paths are extremely short.
Don River Cruises
Website: Don River Cruises
25. Enjoy a zipline adventure at The Jungle Rope Park
Take your children out to The Jungle Rope Park for an entire day of recreational activities. Kids and adults can choose between the various routes in this park, which consist of numerous obstacles. The zip line adventures in the park are made up of multiple stages suitable for 5 to 16-year-olds.
The Jungle Rope Park
Address: Selmash 1A, Rostov-on-Don
Website: The Jungle Rope Park
Opening hours: 10am - 8pm (daily)
26. Enjoy horse racing at Southern Russia-Rostov-on-Don Hippodrome
Posted by Native Russian Breeds & Horses on Monday, 21 October 2019
Rostov-on-Don Hippodrome is one of the oldest horse racing tracks in the southern parts of Russia. Spanning a large area, this place features 14 stables. Take a tour inside the Hippodrome, where you can come across a training track and a race track, a forge, a veterinary hospital, an ammunition depot, and a granary. Boasting 5000 seats in the two-tier rostrum, this place also provides accommodation to guests at its onsite hotel.
Rostovskiy Ippodrom
Address: Ulitsa Malyuginoy, 233, Rostov, Rostovskaya oblast’, Russia, 344010
Website: Rostovskiy Ippodrom
27. Go for a morning walk along the quay
Tourists and locals can go on a healthy morning walk along the quay or enjoy a healthy breakfast in one of the floating restaurants. They can also participate in various activities held in the recreational areas. Visitors heading to the quay in the evening, can come across performances by musical bands, or watch the street dancers, or even overhear music coming from the docked ships and clubs. If you are in the mood just sit back and relax with your partner, watch the stars and the water, and soak in the peaceful atmosphere.
Rostov quay
Address: Beregovaya Ulitsa, 30, Rostov, Rostovskaya oblast’, Russia, 344000
28. Dine at Onegin Dacha
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Onegin Dacha is a popular restaurant offering delicious Russian cuisine. Enjoy fine dining with family amidst an extraordinary ambiance filled with warmth, coziness, and good food. A library, a fireplace, and a winter garden are the three zones in this restaurant. Each possesses a charm of its own and is ideal for organizing an anniversary, a dinner party, a wedding or a business lunch. This place also boasts of a summer terrace, where guests can relish yummy delicacies while counting the stars.
Onegin Dacha
Address: Prospekt Chekhova, 45Б, Rostov, Rostovskaya oblast’, Russia, 344002
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 9am - 12am; Fri - Sat: 9am - 1am
29. Soak in some culture at the Rostov State Musical Theater
Open since 1999, the Rostov State Musical Theater is the successor to the Rostov Musical Comedy Theater, which was one of the best theaters in the Soviet Union. A famous hotspot among theatre lovers, this place hosts forums, festivals, and concerts every year. Soak in some culture as you watch an opera, a ballet, an operetta, musicals, a rock opera, musical short stories, or symphony concerts.
Rostov State Musical Theater
Address: Bol'shaya Sadovaya Ulitsa, 134, Rostov, Rostovskaya oblast’, Russia, 344082
Website: Rostov State Musical Theater
30. Marvel at the artefacts at the Rostov Regional Museum of Fine Arts
Situated within the most interesting mansion on Pushkin Street, Rostov Regional Museum of Fine Arts boasts of a huge collection of works by artists from different cities of Russia. Check out the interesting exhibits, and marvel at the works of famous masters from the 18th to 20th century like A. Antropov, K. Bryullov, I. Repin, I. Kramskoy, V. Surikov, I. Aivazovsky, I. Levitan. Tourists can also pay a visit to the open storage area, which also showcases artifacts including porcelain bowls, carved bone structures, Chinese snuffboxes from the XVIII century, rare splints and Japanese netsukes.
Rostov Regional Museum of Fine Arts
Address: Pushkinskaya Ulitsa, 115, Rostov, Rostovskaya oblast’, Russia, 344002
Website: Rostov Regional Museum of Fine Arts
Opening hours: Wed - Mon: 10am - 6pm (closed on Tue)
Visit Rostov-on-Don and enjoy a great holiday
Unofficially called the Gates of the Caucasus, Russia’s southern capital, and also the Don Capital, Rostov-on-Don is a popular hotspot among tourists. With green parks, monumental squares, a wide variety of recreation centers, and original architectural masterpieces, this place is a haven for tourists. Rostov-on-Don welcomes all with open arms.
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