What to see in Rostov-on-Don in 2 days on your own: walking route, excursions, where to go

Route around Rostov-on-Don No. 1: Getting to know the historical center Route No. 2: Walk from Soviet Square to Theater Square What else to see on the second day Routes around Rostov-on-Don in stories and advice from tourists Where to stay in Rostov-on-Don Don Interesting excursions in Rostov-on-Don

Rostov-on-Don is a city with a rich history, vibrant cultural life and many attractions. You can stop by here while passing through and form your own impression of the Southern capital, but it’s better to spend a couple of days in the beautiful sunny city - this way you’re guaranteed to see the best of everything here.

For a great walk you will need comfortable shoes (you will have to walk a lot), a good mood and, of course, our convenient route to the city’s attractions.

Rostov-on-Don route No. 1: Getting to know the historical center

Rostov-on-Don is a city very convenient for exploration. Most of the interesting places are concentrated here within the historical heart of the city, the so-called Old Rostov. It is called an open-air museum of architecture - for the magnificent facades of merchant mansions of various styles, beautiful fountains, monuments and sculptures. Bolshaya Sadovaya Street is considered the center of city life - beautiful and ancient.

It is strewn with a necklace of wonderful palace houses - the house of Margarita Chernova , the trading house of Gench-Ogluev, the house of the Yablokovs. Next to them stands the city council building, a pompous mansion from the era of Tsarist Russia. The cathedral , with its onion-shaped domes shining in the sun. And modern walking areas - they enchant with street lamps, outdoor cafes, sparkling illuminations in the evenings. Pay attention to Soborny and Semashko lanes - they are especially decorated.

Walk along Bolshaya Sadovaya Photo: © Julia Alisova

For even more ideas on what to do in Rostov-on-Don, if you came here for just 1 day, look in our special material.

Read more: What to see in Rostov-on-Don in 1 day

Route No. 2: Walk from Soviet Square to Theater Square

Start your second day in Rostov-on-Don in the very heart of the southern capital, at the intersection of Bolshaya Sadovaya Street and Voroshilovsky Avenue. By the way, the epicenter of tourist life is also located here - hotels, verandas of street cafes, restaurants and cinemas. Having refreshed yourself in one of the cafes - and there are a lot of them in the city, for every taste and budget - you can hit the road.

Soviet Square

Soviet Square is one of the central squares in Rostov-on-Don. This is a space with history - it first appeared on maps of the city in the middle of the 19th century, when the construction of Bolshoi Prospekt was underway - today it is called Voroshilovsky.

Shopping arcades and beautiful apartment buildings of Rostov merchants were located along it; later the building of the State Bank and the mansion of the regional administration appeared here. Now it is an excellent landmark and a convenient starting point for walking routes.

Details: Soviet Square

Soviet Square Photo: © Julia Alisova

Mansions on Bolshaya Sadovaya Street

Your path will go along Bolshaya Sadovaya Street - it should definitely be included in a 2-day walking route around Rostov-on-Don. The history of the main city thoroughfare, the so-called “Rostov Broadway,” took place at the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th centuries.

It was created by the most successful Rostov class - the local merchants, and the best examples of that elegant era are still waiting for you, just take a walk. Pay attention to Tokarev's apartment building, Masalitina's unusual house with a dome and, of course, the magnificent main building of the Southern Federal University.

Bolshaya Sadovaya Street Photo: © Julia Alisova

Musical Theatre

A few minutes of leisurely walk and you are at the Musical Theater building. It is impossible to miss or not include it in your 2-day itinerary - the building is considered one of the architectural calling cards of the south of Russia.

It so happened that Rostov-on-Don became the center of musical life in the southern part of Russia. The first European troupes came here in the middle of the 19th century; a few years later, an operetta theater appeared, and then the Rostov Musical Comedy Theater. It was decided to build a new theater for a prosperous city in the 80s of the last century, but construction dragged on for 22 years.

A new elegant building in the shape of a huge white piano with a folded lid was released in September 1999. The repertoire is rich - opera, ballets, musicals, and symphony concerts are staged here. In total there are more than 300 performances a year - from classics to avant-garde.

If you're going to Rostov-on-Don, check the poster of the Rostov State Musical Theatre, you'll probably find a production to suit your taste.

Church of the Intercession

Church of the Intercession is one of the oldest churches in the city. The decision to build it was first made in 1762, when an ancient Cossack temple was moved from the village of Starocherkasskaya . They literally moved it - the wooden church was dismantled, the logs were numbered, and then reassembled in the center of the citadel.

The church received the status of a fortress church. It was rebuilt and expanded several times in order to become the main refuge of believers not only of the developing Rostov-on-Don, but also of the surrounding settlements at the end of the 18th century. A beautiful stone building, in an elegant pseudo-Russian style, was built at the end of the 19th century. However, it did not stand for long - in 1930 the temple was destroyed on the orders of the Soviet government.

The modern cathedral was built in our time; it was consecrated on November 11, 2007. While walking along Pokrovsky Square, pay attention to the monument to Empress Elizaveta Petrovna. She is considered the founder of Rostov-on-Don.

More about the Church of the Intercession

Church of the Intercession Photo: © Julia Alisova

Don Plaza

One of the modern attractions of the Don capital is the 4-star Don Plaza Congress Hotel. This is an Intourist known to everyone since Soviet times - it was he who was “entrusted” with the responsible mission of receiving foreign guests in the USSR.

Its history dates back to 1954, and the sixteen-story high-rise was built in 1973. If you are not planning to stay here for a vacation, go for a coffee or glass of wine in one of the hotel bars. Admire the rich stucco, marble and coffered ceilings.

Hotel Don Plaza Photo: © Julia Alisova

House of the Martyn brothers

One of the most beautiful representatives of old Rostov-on-Don, which has survived to this day in perfect preservation, is the red-brick mansion of the Martyn brothers. It was built in 1893 and has the status of a cultural heritage site of federal significance.

A bay window with a pointed tower, spiers, intricate windows, intricate masonry - it is difficult to find a more interesting architectural object to look at. Built for British subjects, the Martyn family, the mansion has served as a residential building, a reception room for the US consul, an antique shop, and an art salon. Today, the Sholokhov Center, a branch of the state museum-reserve dedicated to the famous Don writer, is opened within its walls.

House of the Martyn brothers Photo: © Julia Alisova

Monument to the founders of the fortress

A couple of steps from the elegant mansion, you just need to cross the road and a truly historical place awaits you. Monument to the founders of the fortress St. Dmitry of Rostov , at the same time a monument-model of the fortress and a monument to its founders. It is located in a historical place, where the Rostov defensive citadel was located. The lane is called consonantly - Serf.

The sculpture depicts a fateful moment - the discussion of the foundation of the future fortress. It was attended by military engineer, construction manager Alexander Rigelman, commandant of the fortress Ivan Somov, customs manager Vasily Khastatov, ataman of the Don Army Danila Efremov, as well as his adjutant. The opening of the monument took place on December 15, 2009, timed to coincide with the 260th anniversary of Rostov-on-Don.

Monument to the founders of the fortress Photo: © Julia Alisova

theatre square

With a calm stroll through the most elegant part of the city, you can easily come to the favorite park area of Rostovites and city guests - the elegant Theater Square. Getting to know it should definitely be included in your independent itinerary for 2 days in Rostov-on-Don - this is a must-visit place.

The history of Theater Square takes us back 100 years, when the wasteland between the city of Nakhichevan-on-Don and Rostov-on-Don itself was decided to be improved and the cities united. Initially, the square was called Revolutionary; it became Teatralnaya a little later, in honor of the Drama Theater. Gorky, located right there.

Note the magnificent Baroque palace - actually the railway administration building, an architectural monument of the early 20th century - and the 72-meter stele depicting the golden goddess Nike, erected in honor of the victory in the Great Patriotic War, as well as a complex of fountains. Their author is Evgeniy Vuchetich, a famous sculptor of his era.

Theater Square quickly became a favorite vacation spot for Rostovites. Holidays, special events, and city festivals often take place here—life is in full swing almost around the clock. By the way, at the last FIFA World Cup, where Rostov-on-Don was one of the cities hosting the fateful event, the largest fan zone was located right on Teatralnaya Square.

However, regardless of the time of year and day of the week, you can find something interesting in the square - for example, the One Sky Ferris Wheel.

Ferris wheel "One Sky"

A recognizable modern architectural and entertainment symbol of Rostov-on-Don appeared in the city several years ago. This is one of the largest attractions of this type in Russia, its height is 65 meters. The viewing radius is no less impressive - you can look around the Don expanses for a solid 25 kilometers around.

30 panoramic booths rotate non-stop from morning until late evening. By the way, walking here at dusk is a great idea. The wheel is illuminated by tens of thousands of tiny light bulbs; in the evenings music plays here; you can admire the Ferris wheel from the terrace of an outdoor cafe or while sitting on a bench in the park.

You can find out the latest schedule of the Ferris Wheel, the attraction's operating schedule, as well as a list of tariffs for the ride on the official website of the One Sky project.

Read more: Ferris wheel “One Sky” in Rostov-on-Don

Ferris wheel “One Sky” Photo: © Julia Alisova

Rostov Drama Theater named after M. Gorky

The largest theater in the Rostov region was founded in 1863. The Rostovites themselves call this architectural monument of the constructivist style not too respectfully - “tractor”, which, however, does not detract from the merits and honors of the theater troupe.

The theater bears the honorary title “academic”. His repertoire includes dozens of cult productions, from Lope de Vega classics to modern comedies. Before your trip to Rostov-on-Don, take a look at the theater playbill - you will probably find something that you will like.

Read more: Rostov Drama Theater named after M. Gorky

Drama Theater named after. Gorky Photo: © Julia Alisova

St. Tropez

St. Tropez (@st.tropez.poolcafe) is not only a swimming pool, but also a seafood restaurant. There is a children's club here. Animation for children is regularly held. You can go to an interactive fairy tale, where children will look for something, sing, and dance. And parents can enjoy seafood at this time. For the little ones there is a special children's menu.

What to try: Tom Yum soup – 590 rubles, fried rapana – 390 rubles.

Address: Strikes, 213.

Routes around Rostov-on-Don in stories and tips from tourists

Rostov-on-Don is a city of many interesting places and striking sights. Where to go here first, so as not to miss the most interesting things, look in our materials - guidebooks, advice from experienced tourists, travelers' opinions about unusual objects. Sometimes in such “live” essays there is something really important.

Routes around Rostov-on-Don are waiting for you in the general guide to the city.

Useful life hacks, necessary recommendations about everything in the world - where to eat, what to see, when to go to the museum or go up to the observation deck, read the materials of our authors.

The route of a beautiful and delicious walk through central Rostov-on-Don can be found in the story “One cool southern city...” from Yulia Alisova;
A version of an unusual open-air museum is offered by the author Magdalene in the album “There is such a place on the Don - it’s called Kumzha”;
Valeria Belousova will tell you what to do in Rostov-on-Don when it’s cool in the essay “One day in gloomy Rostov-on-Don.”

All reviews about holidays in Rostov-on-Don on Turister.Ru

Chelentano bar

Chelentano bar (@chelentano_bar_rostov) is an Italian pizzeria with a children's play area with cartoons. Children under 7 years old are fed free of charge, on a separate children's menu. And twice a month, children's culinary master classes are held here, during which parents can relax and enjoy the atmosphere of this family restaurant.

What to try: pizza Margherita – 320 rubles, pasta Carbonara – 360 rubles.

Address: Sorge, 58 a.

Where to stay in Rostov-on-Don

Rostov-on-Don is a large city; there are hundreds of hotels, apartments and a good selection of hostels for accommodation. An attractive part for tourists is the central area along the right bank of the Don, Bolshaya Sadovaya and Krasnoarmeyskaya streets. Hotels are different: from simple and uncategorized to luxurious new 4-5 stars. Among them are representatives of the Amaks, Mercure, Radisson Blu, and Ramada chains.

One way to find interesting ones is to consider housing with a view of the Don, like the Radisson Blu Hotel Rostov-on-Don or apartments on the river side in the White Angel residential complex. The park options on the shore are pleasant: “Averon”, “Vysoky Bereg”. For hot summers, it is important to have an outdoor pool, since swimming is often prohibited in the Don: for example, “Jardin”, “Weekend”.

Rostov-on-Don Hotels
Hostels for Budget Travelers
Flats and apartments

See also the special review of Tourist. RU:

Hotels near Rostov-on-Don airport

When booking accommodation on Booking.com, cashback is available: Cashback promotion for Tourist. RU

Sanremo

Sanremo (@sanremo_rostov) is a family restaurant that serves Italian cuisine with a Russian accent. There is a separate corner for children's creativity: a children's table and chairs, coloring books, colored pencils - an ideal way to keep children occupied while parents enjoy delicious dishes.

What to try: Chicken Caesar – 350 rubles, Sanremo burger – 430 rubles.

Address: Kommunistichesky, 25/4.

We talk about another place for the whole family in the Honest Review section: we went to the Fairy Lantern Park and were very surprised.