In this article, we have collected 12 destinations where you can go from Irkutsk for one day. Not only is this city one of the three capitals of wooden architecture in Russia. It is also a convenient point for starting excursions around the Baikal region. Developed transport (buses, trains, ships) and affordable prices have made Irkutsk one of the tourist centers of the Russian Federation.
12 places to go from Irkutsk Rubric “Question - answer”
Most of the places listed are trips around the Irkutsk region. But we’ll also tell you about the possibility of traveling from Irkutsk to Buryatia.
Lower embankment
You can watch Angara meet Irkut for hours.
Here you can also bow to the monument to the pioneers and founder of Irkutsk Yakov Pokhabov. Or walk through the arch of the triumphal “Moscow Gate”, restored in 2011, which was built in 1813 in honor of the anniversary of Emperor Alexander’s accession to the throne. At first a small Cossack fort, of which many were founded among the dense forests on the eastern outskirts of the empire, by the beginning of the 18th century Irkutsk had already turned from a militarized settlement into a large trade settlement from Beijing to Moscow. Industrialists and merchants flocked to it from everywhere to mine gold and precious furs. Mikhail Bakunin, a famous thinker, desperate adventurer and preacher of Russian anarchism, who served exile here for two years and then fled through Japan and America to London, recalled about the Irkutsk merchants: “... An iron will, and a chamber of intelligence, and a mighty and wide heart, and precious experience, and enormous knowledge of the matter and the region.”
Along with businessmen, the city attracted everyone who wanted to start a new life. Fate itself brought some to the outskirts of Irkutsk: political exiles largely determined the cultural atmosphere of the city. With the advent of the Decembrists, independence and free-thinking settled in Irkutsk forever.
December video
Let's watch two short videos of December Baikal. On the first one the ice has not yet risen.
On the second, the lake is already frozen.
In what form do you prefer Baikal?
Events poster
Every year at the beginning of December, creative evenings are held in the house-museum of the Decembrists. The same as in the 19th century. In the ancient estates of Volkonsky and Trubetskoy, with an interior and atmosphere corresponding to a bygone era, people gather to listen to music, watch a home theater performance or an exhibition, and, of course, to feel like nobles who lived a couple of centuries ago and feel the spirit of their life and entertainment.
Irkutsk Kremlin
The center of the historical part of the city is Kirov Square. Here, on July 6, 1661, Yakov Pokhabov founded a fort for collecting yasak - a tax collected from the local population in sable skins. By the beginning of the 18th century, it had turned into a massive and well-developed wooden fortress that protected residents from the attacks of nomads. A major fire in 1716 almost completely destroyed the fortifications, but in just a year new ones were rebuilt, already made of stone. Of the buildings on the territory of the Irkutsk Kremlin of that time, the Spasskaya Church has been preserved, the stone building of which was founded in 1706 in the northwestern corner of the fort. Along with the Epiphany Cathedral, built behind the eastern wall of the fortress and also preserved to this day, this is the oldest stone building in Siberia.
Until the mid-twentieth century, a variety of peoples, classes and cultures coexisted and mixed here with amazing ease. Russians, Poles, Germans, Jews, Buryats, Evenks, Tungus, Chinese, and Mongols settled in Irkutsk, creating a unique urban flavor. Residents of the central part of the city, mostly educated, who had at least seen different cities and countries, built houses in accordance with their own ideas of beauty, giving free rein to their imagination and inviting the best architects from Russia and Europe. Hence the variety of architectural styles and unusual solutions. Located in the very middle of the continent, Irkutsk has always willingly tried on the different cultures of Asia and Europe. It is no coincidence that Irkutsk residents call their city “the middle of the Earth.”
Interesting places for tourists to visit in Irkutsk
Families traveling will have no question about what to visit in Irkutsk so that everyone can have fun. Irkutsk is popular among tourists not only for its historical and cultural heritage, but also for its extensive entertainment program.
Among the places worth visiting are the nerpinarium, art and city embankment. Nature and outdoor enthusiasts have plenty to see in the national parks near the city.
Nerpinary
The seals living in the Irkutsk nerpinarium are extremely friendly and peaceful. With their participation, show programs are organized here. Visitors are also invited to watch the seals after the performance or take a memorable photo.
Address: Listvyanka village, Gorky street, 101.
Opening hours: Tue.-Fri. 11:00-17:00, Sat.-Sun. 11:00-18:00.
How to get there: by regular bus to the Listvyanka bus station.
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Lower Angara embankment
Since the founding of the city, the embankment has served as a pier for arriving sea vessels. Later, residential buildings and administrative buildings appeared around it. After large-scale reconstruction, the embankment has become a place of attraction for citizens and visiting tourists.
Address: Right Bank District.
How to get there: via the stop “Ul. December Events" passes 3 trolleybuses, buses 8, 13, 67.
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130th quarter
The historical building area until recently looked like a village with dilapidated houses. In 2008, residents of emergency buildings were resettled, monuments of architectural significance were restored. Today, the territory of the 130th block contains museums, shops, cafes and restaurants that are worth visiting.
Address: st. 3 July, 13/1.
How to get there: trolleybus 5, buses 11, 22, minibuses 4, 419, 456 go to the stop of the same name.
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Art-
The art space is created for creative people striving for realization. Exhibitions, seminars, and master classes are organized in the brewery building. Visitors are invited to participate in educational projects, see the creations of contemporary artists, purchase memorable souvenirs, and have lunch in one of the cafes located here.
Address: Barricade street, 51/9.
Opening hours: 24/7.
How to get there: to the stop “Ul. Fuchika" trams 4, 4A arrive.
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Irkutsk Academic Town
The academic town, founded in Soviet times, continues to conduct scientific activities. Tourists are interested in the monumental buildings of universities located on its territory. The area itself is surrounded by greenery of fruit and wild trees, attracting townspeople for a promenade.
Address: Sverdlovsk district.
How to get there: bus 3, trolleybuses 1, 7, 10 stop at the Akademgorodok stop.
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Tunkinsky National Park
The park in the Tunka Valley is famous for its mineral springs, waterfalls, and dormant volcanoes. Valuable artifacts were found on the territory of the environmental protection zone and are stored in local museums. For visitors to the park there are walking routes passing through the most picturesque places.
Address: village of Kyren.
How to get there: by regular bus to the village of Kyren.
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Pribaikalsky National Park
The park was created to preserve the unique nature of the Baikal coast. The natural attraction has no analogues, similar in number of archaeological sites, richness of the natural and animal world. Pribalkalsky National Park is a place where everyone should visit.
Address: Listvyanka village, Gorky street, 2.
Opening hours: Mon.-Thurs. 8:00-17:00, Fri. 8:00-16:00.
How to get there: by regular bus.
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Ferris wheel "Krugozor"
Taking a ride on a Ferris wheel, you can see the main attractions and famous places of Irkutsk from a 50-meter height. The attraction is popular both among Irkutsk residents and among residents of neighboring regions.
Address: Konny Island, 5.
Opening hours: daily 12:00-22:00.
How to get there: by train to Solnechnaya station.
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Science Museum "Experimentarium"
The Museum of Entertaining Science tells about scientific facts and phenomena in a fascinating way. Numerous quests, experiments and experiences contribute to the development of ingenuity and logical thinking. A visit to the Experimentarium will be equally interesting for adults and children.
Address: 3 July Street, 21A.
Opening hours: Tue.-Sun. 11:00-19:00.
How to get there: trolleybus 5, buses 11, 22, minibuses 4, 419, 456 go to the “130 block” stop.
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Irkutsk Museum of Local Lore
The museum complex consists of a children's development center, a library and exhibition halls. The exhibition of the local history museum includes departments dedicated to the culture, history, and nature of the native land.
Address: Karl Marx street, 11.
Opening hours: Tue.-Sun. 10:00-18:00.
How to get there: bus 11 goes to the Musical Theater stop.
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Museum of City History named after. A. M. Sibiryakova
The museum was founded in 1996. His collection represents the life of city residents through everyday life, customs, and family life at different time periods. There is a children's local history section at the museum.
Address: Frank-Kamenetsky street, 16A.
Opening hours: Mon.-Tue. 10:00-18:00, Thu-Sun. 10:00-18:00.
How to get there: Buses 8, 18, 427 and minibuses 23, 120, 333 pass through the “Museum of City History” stop.
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Icebreaker Museum "Angara"
The ship, which served during the Russian Empire and the USSR, was first launched in 1900. Since 1982, a museum has been founded on board the icebreaker, the exhibition of which tells about the seafaring craft. Visitors can see models of ancient ships, navigation systems, and watch a film about icebreakers.
Address: Zhukov Avenue, 36A/1.
Opening hours: Tue.-Sun. 10:00-18:00.
How to get there: at the stop “Pr. Marshal Zhukov" buses 1 and 3 stop.
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Museum of V. Rasputin
The memorial place was created to perpetuate the name of the talented writer Valentin Rasputin. The exhibits include personal belongings, manuscripts, and photographs of the author. One of the museum’s rooms recreates the environment in which Valentin Grigorievich worked.
Address: Sverdlova street, 20.
Opening hours: Tue.-Sun. 10:00-18:00.
How to get there: buses 6, 28, 30, 43, 66 stop at the Sukhbaatar stop.
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Garbage Museum
The idea of the creation belongs to the workers of a solid waste dump. From scrap metal they began to make unique figures that made up the open-air exhibition of the museum. Among them are knights in armor, ships, horses in uniform, warriors, and unusual cars. Children will especially enjoy visiting the museum, because you can not only look at the exhibits, but also climb.
Address: Alexandrovsky tract, 5 kilometer.
Opening hours: Mon.-Fri. 9:00-17:00, Sat.-Sun. 9:00-20:00.
How to get there: by personal or rented car.
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Karl Marx Street
The protective palisade and ditch that once protected the Irkutsk fortress on the southern side, from the bank of the Angara to the Ushakovka River, existed until the middle of the 18th century. Irkutsk needed to expand, and by that time there were no enemies nearby who were ready to lay claim to the city. The palisade was dismantled, and in its place Bolshaya Preshpektnaya Street arose, now Karl Marx Street, the only straight street of modern Irkutsk. The devastating fire of 1879 made its own adjustments to the rules of development - this is where the border began, beyond which it was forbidden to build from wood. Today it is one of the most beautiful streets in the city. In fact, it divided old Irkutsk into two parts: closer to the Angara, mostly stone buildings remained, and on the other side, where there had once been outskirts, wooden Irkutsk grew. This street is worth walking from start to finish and then exploring the adjacent alleys.
What to bring from Irkutsk and Lake Baikal?
Baikal and Irkutsk are, first of all, nature. And they bring the appropriate souvenirs from here - herbal teas, medicinal plants, jam from pine cones and various jams with the addition of nuts.
Indulge your sweet tooth!
The highlight of the region is wild berry puree (lingonberries, blueberries, blueberries) from the Wild Siberia manufactory, which has no analogues. You can purchase the factory's products in stores in Irkutsk.
Another unusual gift will be a diary or notebook with a wool cover, sold in the “Warmth of Baikal” workshop. The Maegi boutique offers elegant silver jewelry with authentic engravings. You can buy unusual products as a gift or as a souvenir of Lake Baikal and Irkutsk at the Passage shopping center, pavilion 247.
Visit the performance
Cultural institutions are open, but, like cinemas, they operate with the occupancy rate of no more than 50%. Tickets sell out quickly. If you decide to go to the theater tomorrow, you are unlikely to get a ticket, but you can try.
On weekends, the Stork puppet theater invites spectators aged 1-6 years to the Small Stage. There, on November 2, 3, 6 and 7, a new performance by the Buka Theater will be staged. Mischievous Bunny" (0+).
Scene from the play “Buka. Bad Bunny." Photo from the site aistenok-irkutsk.ru
Irkutsk Academic Theater N.P. Okhlopkova works as before, but due to the increase in the incidence of coronavirus, he has made changes to the repertoire. Thus, the play “The Player” (16+), scheduled for November 2, was replaced by the play “The Lion in Winter” (16+). The play “Woe from Wit.,:...!-?” (16+), scheduled for November 3, has been replaced by the play “Love and Doves” (16+). Performance "Brothers Ch." (16+) on November 4 was replaced by the play “Bench” (16+), and the play “Farewell to Matera” (16+) on November 5 - by the play “Wolves and Sheep” (12+).
Irkutsk Musical Theater N.M. Zagursky also works without changes, according to the poster. The theater reminds that during the performance it is necessary to wear a mask and maintain social distance. At the entrance, your temperature will be taken and you will be asked to treat your hands with antiseptic.
There are minor changes in the repertoire of the Irkutsk Theater for Young Spectators A. Vampilov. The play “I was there too, a passerby...” (12+) was postponed from November 5th to November 10th for technical reasons.
You can view the schedule of upcoming performances in Irkutsk theaters in the IRK.ru Poster.
General impression
In Irkutsk you can find magnificent merchant mansions, wooden houses with cozy courtyards, and even constructivist projects. It has a rich history, which you can discover in museums, and amazing nature, including the Angara River and Lake Baikal.
A separate plus is the relatively low prices for accommodation, food, taxis and public transport. At the same time, establishments with a decent level of service, fashionable coffee shops and modern hostels are opening. That is why budget tourists will especially like Irkutsk.
Or a zoo
Photo from the IRK.ru archive
From November 2 to November 7, the Irkutsk Zoo invites schoolchildren to programs in honor of the holidays. Every day from 14:00 to 16:00 children can enjoy games, master classes, quizzes and demonstration feedings.
The Irkutsk Zoo Gallery is open daily from 11:00 to 18:00. Upon entry you will be asked to wear a mask. All events, including excursions and demonstration feedings, have been cancelled, and group applications will not be accepted.
Travel budget
Flights on the route Moscow - Irkutsk - Moscow cost ≈ 10,000 rubles per person according to Aviasales.ru →
The journey by train will take a little more than 3 days, and a one-way ticket will cost about 7,000 rubles - find out the current price of train tickets on Poezd.ru →
Accommodation in a 3* hotel with good reviews in the city center ≈ 3,000 rubles per day for two - find a hotel on Booking.com or Hotellook.ru →
You can rent a one-room apartment for ≈ 2,000 rubles per day according to the website Sutochno.ru →
A bus ticket costs 20 rubles (interestingly, but after 20:00, its cost automatically increases to 25 rubles), dinner in a mid-price restaurant will cost about 2,000 rubles for two with drinks.
Insanely delicious snack. Try buuz.
Irkutsk and Baikal in December are a good option to see a real Siberian winter in comfortable weather for the north, recharge your New Year mood, admire the beauty of the winter, not yet frozen lake and calmly explore the main attractions of the city.
Author: Victoria Smirnova
