Top 22 Things To Do In Tyumen, Russia

1. Marvel at the beautiful Znamensky Cathedral

Dating back to the 17th century, the Znamensky Cathedral has had a long and varied history. The cathedral first took the form of a small wooden chapel when it was first constructed and was eventually upgraded and expanded into a stone church in the late 1700s. After the Russian revolution that concluded in 1917, it was briefly used as a prison, and once again used for military. Today, it’s a church that conducts many activities and services within its hallowed halls. Its prominent blue-and-white architecture strikes a beautiful, impressive figure in the city center.

Znamensky Cathedral

Address: 13 Semakova St., Tyumen, Tyumen Oblast, Russia, 625003

Website: Znamensky Cathedral

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Price: Free

2. Witness the sunset along the Embankment of the Tura River

A 4 km-long (2.5 mi) embankment along the shores of the Tura River, it’s a tranquil, walkable route that’s filled with lush greenery and sculptures along the way. Head over here and sit along the river in the evening and admire the splendid beauty of the sunset. The perfectly manicured lawns along the river bank is also a great place to have a nice stroll or a picnic with your family - trust us, you’ll see many like-minded families doing that!

Tura River Embankment

Address: Respubliki St. and Lenina St., Tyumen, Russia

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Price: Free

3. Enjoy a lovely stroll with your partner across Bridge of Lovers

After admiring the sunset along the embankment, enjoy a romantic stroll with your date across the Bridge of Lovers. It’s decorated with graffitied declarations of love and couples used to attach padlocks as a mark of their everlasting love on its railings (although the government decided to crack down on this a while ago). Illuminated by colored spotlights at night, it’s bound to be an amazing spectacle - and great for some photo ops as well!

Tyumen Lover's Bridge

Address: Respubliki St. and Lenina St., Tyumen, Russia

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Price: Free

4. Enrich yourself with a visit to Historical Park Rossiya - Moya Istoriya

An extremely educational and insightful look into the history and crafting of Russia’s national identity, this attraction is a must-see for everyone, especially museum buffs! If you’re not a fan of museums, you’ll be pleased to know that the multimedia exhibits here are mostly interactional, and highly engaging. History Park Russia is a collection of exhibits across the country, organized to share the country’s rich history with visitors. The entire museum spans four floors of exhibits. You’ll need to dedicate at least a few hours to fully absorb the wealth of information in the museum; it’s definitely possible to spend a whole day here.

Historical Park Rossiya - Moya Istoriya

Address: Ordzhonikidze St., 47, Tyumen, Tyumen Oblast, Russia

Website: Historical Park Rossiya - Moya Istoriya

Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 10am - 8pm (closed on Mon )

Price: Free

5. Have a picnic at Gilevskaya Grove

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

Spend a relaxing day with your family among the lush greenery of Gilevskaya Grove! Located on the outskirts of the city, it might be rather difficult to reach the park (especially if you don’t have a car); however, the trip there is well worth it! There’s an outdoor activity for everyone here, with facilities like a football and hockey field, tennis courts, a gazebo for picnicking, children’s playgrounds, and even a barbecue pit. Take note, however, that food and beverage outlets aren’t very common here so pack your own food!

6. Listen to the bells of Holy Trinity Men's Monastery

Listen to the fabled sounds of ringing bells, and if you’re lucky, catch their boy’s choir during a performance. Soak in the tranquility of its grounds and admire the magnificent architecture of the buildings. Regardless of your religious beliefs, this monastery is a serene and beautiful place that’s a peaceful escape from the hectic city life.

Holy Trinity Men's Monastery

Address: Kommunisticheskaya, 10, Tyumen 625001, Russia

Website: Holy Trinity Men’s Monastery

7. Watch a drama performance at Tyumen Drama Theater

Calling all drama fans, here’s an activity you’ll appreciate! Dedicate an evening at the Tyumen Drama Theater to watch a performance put up by their talented troupe - you definitely won’t regret it! Housed in a majestic, coliseum-like building, its drama troupe comprises of 44 skilled actors. With more than five ongoing shows at any one time, you’ll be able to find a show to enjoy.

Tyumen Drama Theater

Address: Respubliki, 129, Tyumen, Tyumen Oblast, Russia 625048

Website: Tyumen Drama Theater

Opening hours: 10am - 8pm (daily)

Price: Admission prices vary

8. Have a relaxing stroll around at Siberian Cats Park

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

One of the more unique parks you’ll come across in Tyumen, the Siberian Cats Park is so-called because it’s full of statues of cats, all depicted in various catty poses. The park was established in honor of the feline residents of Tyumen who saved Leningrad from a rat invasion after World War 2. 5,000 cats (from around the region) were mobilized for this mission in total, and valiantly succeeded. Cat lovers are bound to enjoy an excursion here!

Siberian Cats Park

Address: Pervomayskaya St., 11, Tyumen, Tyumen Oblast, Russia 625000

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Price: Free

9. Be awed by the opulent Sophia Uspensky Cathedral in winter

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

The oldest cathedral in Siberia, there’s definitely more to it than its beautiful architecture. Now the main temple of the Tobolsk Orthodox Seminary, the cathedral has had a long history - it’s even been ravaged by fires twice, but was rebuilt and reinforced with stone in the 19th century. Drop by it in winter if you’ve got the chance for a truly striking view. Set against the snowy backdrop, the golden, snow-capped domes of the cathedral make for a very stunning contrast.

Sophia Uspensky Cathedral

Address: 2 Krasnaya Square, Tobolsk, Tyumen Oblast, Russia 626152

Website: Sophia Uspensky Cathedral

Opening hours: 10am - 8pm (daily)

Price: Free

10. Travel back in time with a visit to Burkov's Manor House

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

Revisit the 20th century with a trip to the Burkov’s Manor House! Previously owned by businessman Vasily Burkov, the mansion is renowned for its luxury and splendid architecture. It now houses a school, although you can always sign up for guided tours of the house if you want to know more about its varied history.

Burkov's Manor House

Address: 32 Dzerzhinskogo Street, Tyumen, Tyumen Oblast, Russia

11. Tour Ioanno-Vvedensky Nunnery

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

The Ioanno-Vvedensky Nunnery has had a long and colourful history. Since its establishment in 1653, the monastery has gained a loyal following for being a place of miracles, as many extraordinary events have been witnessed on its sacred grounds. Today, it is now a prominent church where pilgrimages are made.

Ioanno-Vvedensky Nunnery

Address: 5 Redikulcheva St., Priirtischskii Vilage, Tobolsk

Website: Ioanno-Vvedensky Nunnery

12. Rest and rejuvenate at Hot Springs Avan

Look at the swirls of steam rising from the hot springs - now imagine that in winter! Take a refreshing dip in this natural sauna, with its waters kept at a constant temperature of at least 40 degrees celsius. With three different pools (the water comes from the same natural source) and a considerably large cafe area, there’s plenty of room for everyone to soak and relax in the fabled Hot Springs Avan.

Hot Springs Avan

Address: 4 St. Mira, Kamenka, Tyumen Oblast, Russia

Website: Hot Springs Avan

Opening hours: Fri - Wed: 9am - 1pm; Thu: 6pm - 1am

13. Browse through the exhibits at City Council Local History Museum

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

The City Council Local History Museum focuses on two aspects of Russian history: its war history as well as natural wildlife history. Even if you’re not a history buff, be awed by the fossils of the prehistoric wildlife in the museum! Home to the largest woolly mammoth skeleton in Russia, it boasts an impressive collection of wildlife exhibits.

City Council Local History Museum

Address: Lenina St., 2, Tyumen 625003, Russia

Website: City Council Local History Museum

Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 11am - 8pm (closed on Mon)

Price: 5 USD

14. Be awed by one of the largest statues of Lenin in Russia

Regardless of your personal sentiments towards Russian revolutionary Vladimir Lenin, there’s no denying the sheer size and presence of this monument. Framed against the city administration building, it cuts a suitably imposing and commanding figure. The statue is located in a small garden, complete with benches and greenery, where you can take a rest or snap some pictures.

Lenin Statue

Address: Respubliki St., 45, Tyumen 625000, Russia

15. Have a splashing good time at Water Park Leto Leto

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

Water Park Leto Leto is Russia’s biggest indoor water park – and considering how big the country is, that’s no small feat! Attractions within this water wonderland include more than 1 km (0.6 mi) worth of water slides (with more than 10 slides in total), a 570 m (1870 ft) long lazy river as well as a 750 sq m (8,073 sq ft) large wave pool. Head on to Water Park Leto Leto for a splashing good time with your family!

Water Park Leto Leto

Address: Shherbakova, 87, Tyumen 625022, Russia

Opening hours: 10am - 10pm (daily)

Price: 20 - 30 USD

16. Pay a visit to Church of the Saviour

Also known as the Spasskaya Church, the church is one of the oldest in Siberia. Since it was erected in the 16th century, it has undergone two rebuilds and even a short stint as a prison. Today, its hallowed halls are used as part of the Tyumen Local Historical Museum. History buffs should definitely make a trip down to admire this monument in person - its decorative exterior also makes for great pictures!

Church of the Saviour

Address: Ulitsa Chelyuskintsev, 44, Tyumen Oblast 625000, Russia

Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 11am - 8pm (closed on Mon)

17. Appreciate man's best friend at the Monument to Homeless Dog

Erected in 2010, this bronze statue of a stray was established as a stark reminder to appreciate our canine companions. Visit the monument and make a tiny donation in its small moneybox, and rub the statue’s paw for good luck! All proceeds will go towards the Tyumen strays; in fact, by the end of the monument’s first year, more than 400,000 rubles (approximately 6270 USD) was raised - what a good boy!

Monument to Homeless Dog

Address: Ordzhonikidze St., 63, Tyumen 625002, Russia

18. Soothe your soul in the calm St. Elijah Convent

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

St. Elijah Convent is a small and peaceful monastery that’s located on the embankment of the Tura River. Take a break from the bustle of city life with a relaxing walk around its well-maintained grounds and admire the beautiful view of the river from its courtyard.

St. Elijah Convent

Address: 25 Oktyabrya, 29, Tyumen 625002, Russia

19. Remember the dark history of the WWII Monument

War memorials are hardly a fun attraction, but visiting them definitely provides a sobering and reflective experience. The WWII Monument in Tyumen, located on the aptly named Memorial Square, features a simple sculpture that emphasizes the evils of war, as well as a sombre display of tragic war stories.

WWII Monument

Address: I. M. Gubkina Square, Tyumen 625023, Russia

20. Get active at Zatyumensky Park

Had a little too much vodka and pelmeni during your trip? No worries, work them off at Zatyumensky Park! The park boasts a diversity of flora and fauna that you can admire, and is a protected region under the Tyumen government. Enjoy a nice, relaxing hike through the park’s densely shaded trails or go skiing along its numerous winding slopes. With another ski lodge and various other amenities set to open after its reconstruction, there’s something here for both casual park goers and thrill-seekers alike. It’s no wonder that locals flock to the park in droves for a much-needed escape from the bustle of the city.

Zatyumensky Park

Address: Tyumen, Tyumen oblast, Russia

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

21. Soak in the nightlife vibes at In Da Yusa

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

In Da Yusa is a hip and happening grill bar-cum-restaurant that’s a great spot for a night out. There’s no other word to describe its stylish, dimly-lit interior and gaggle of young partygoers but cool. Besides their extensive menu that boasts American and European cuisine, there’s even a bar and a dance floor. Regardless of whether you’re looking for a place to chill out over wings with your friends or dance the night away, In Da Yusa’s definitely the place to be!

In Da Yusa

Address: Ulitsa Chelyuskintsev, 10, Tyumen, Russia 625000

Website: In Da Yusa

Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 12pm - 12am; Fri - Sat: 12pm - 6am

22. Enjoy a day out at Zoo, baza otdykha Sosnoviy Bor with your children

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

If your kids are bored by the man-made sights and architecture of Tyumen, why not bring them on a fun excursion to the zoo? Zoo, baza otdykha Sosnoviy Bor is a small, private zoo situated near a serene pine forest. The zoo houses a range of animals, including bears, ostriches, and badgers. For a small fee, you can even feed the animals with treats! Animal lovers, not to worry: the zoo is clean and well-maintained, and animals are kept in clean environments. After admiring the animals, you can relax over a cup of coffee at its in-house cafe.

Zoo, baza otdykha Sosnoviy Bor

Address: 27-y km. Yalutorovskogo trakta, Tyumen 625014, Russia

Website: Zoo, baza otdykha Sosnoviy Bor

Price: From 3 USD

There's something for everyone in Tyumen, Russia

Regardless of whether you’re a history buff that’s looking to explore the city’s rich history, or looking for a relaxing R&R trip with your family, Tyumen definitely has it all - you certainly won’t be bored in the administrative centre of Russia’s Tyumen region!