Samara is a large city in Russia and it lies along the Volga River. There are plenty of things to do in this beautiful city. It has buildings with amazing architecture, monuments full of history, the largest square from Europe, and good weather. There are a lot of quiet places as well, or if you feel like you want to party, there are a lot of bars where you can dance until morning. Here’s a list of the best things to do while you’re visiting Samara:
1. Enjoy a day at Samara Embankment
The embankment is a great public space along the Volga River. This is one of the most beautiful places in Samara and it’s the best way to make a sunny day unforgettable. You can do some exercise over there, lay on a sandy beach and catch a tan, jog, or take a boat cruise on the Volga. Many different kinds of food and drinks all over, so you can enjoy a coffee on the beach.
Samara Embankment
Address: Maksima Gorkogo St., Samara, Russia
Website: Samara Embankment (in Russian)
2. Let yourself feel overwhelmed by Volga's Gates and Zhiguli mountains view
This is a stunning panorama of Zhiguli Gate where the Volga River runs between two mountains. If you’re looking for a romantic date, this is the perfect place to watch the sunset with someone you love. It’s a little far from the city. You can get there by taking the bus, which drives you exactly from the station to the place. It’s quite a small place and sometimes might be crowded, but the view is overwhelming.
Volga's Gates and Zhiguli mountains view
Address: Region Upravlencheskij Gorodok | region Upravlencheskij Gorodok, Samara, Russia
3. Visit Stalin's Bunker
Stalin’s Bunker is a very particular construction that was secretly built in a very short period of time during the second world war. This is a place that takes you back in time. Stalin’s Bunker is an interesting place to visit, but quite hard to get into, but the struggle is worth it. You will learn a lot from the guide and there would probably be someone there to translate everything in English.
Stalin's Bunker
Address: Frunze st., 167, 443010 Samara, Russia
Website: Stalin’s Bunker (in Russian)
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4. Kuibyshev Square
This is a huge square in Samara. Some say it is the biggest square in Europe. It’s spacious and it is great to ride a bike or roller skate here. In winter, there is a huge New Year tree and you can even skate here. The Opera and Ballet House is also situated in the square, so you can visit two beautiful places at the same time.
Kuibyshev Square
Address: ul. Chapaevskaya, 186, 443010 Samara, Samarskaya oblast’, Russia
5. Municipal Museum Cosmic Samara
Are you interested in technology? If so, you must visit this museum. It is relatively small. You’ll only need one hour to visit, but it’s worth it.
The museum is easy to find, because of the great big rocket outside. It is accessible by tram, and there is a metro station not too far away. You can learn interesting things by taking an English tour. The descriptions next to the exhibits are only in Russian.
Municipal Museum Cosmic Samara
Address: pr-t. Lenina, d.21 | Metro Rossiyskaya, 443110 Samara, Russia
Contact: +7 846 263-39-35
6. Enjoy an evening at the Samara Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre
This is a magical way to spend an evening. Everything here is perfect, good operas and ballets with good decorations, orchestra, and actors! The opera building itself is indeed beautiful and is within walking distance of the historic areas of Samara. You should buy tickets early, so the price is cheaper. Before or after the performance, you can walk through the gardens surrounding the square.
Samara Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre
Address: Kuibysheva Sq., 1 | Metro Rossijskaja, 443010 Samara, Russia
7. Go for a walk in Strukovskiy Garden
This is a lovely and romantic place. This park is situated near the historic center of Samara, and it has a lot to offer. In winter it gets really magical, with figurines for the little ones, and bright lights everywhere. So if you want a quiet place to visit, this park will remain in your heart.
Strukovskiy Garden
Address: Krasnoarmeiskaya, 2A, 443010 Samara, Russia
Website: Strukovskiy Garden (in Russian)
8. Visit the Botanical Garden of Samara State University
This is a “hidden” place in Samara. This place looks like a real jungle, and it will make you feel like you’re living in the wild. You’ll see tropical plants and learn how the black pepper or coffee trees are growing. You can take really stunning photos here, but you’ll have to pay an extra fee. Make sure you’ll have time to come during working days, as on weekends, it’s closed.
Botanical Garden of Samara State University
Address: Moskovskoye Hwy., 36, 443086 Samara, Russia
Contact: +7 846 334-43-82
9. Chapaev Monument
This is a famous monument of a Soviet hero. Many tourists come here and take photos with this monument, but there is no background info provided, so if you’re interested in history, make sure you learn about this monument before you get there. Nearby, you will find parks and a great view of the Volga River.
Chapaev Monument
Address: pl. Chapaeva, 443010 Samara, Russia
10. Modernist style museum
This museum is located in the historical city center and it’s perfect for a visit even if you have just a few hours to kill in Samara. The owner was a millionaire so the things you’ll see here are of exceptional quality. You will find an exhibition of fine Belle Époque dresses, examples of furniture and decorations of the Art Nouveau era.
Modernist style museum
Address: Frunze, 159, 443010 Samara, Russia
Website: Modernist Style Museum (in Russian)
Put these on your list!
So now that you know the main attractions in Samara, get ready to experience a different kind of city and learn about its history!
History
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