Location: Irkutsk
Top Things to do in Irkutsk
- 1. Irkutsk Academic Drama Theater
- 2. Cathedral of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God
- 3. Znamensky Monastery
- 4. Cathedral of The Epiphany
- 5. Irkutsk Regional Memorial Decembrists Museum, Volkonsky House
- 6. Gallery of V. Bronshteyn
- 7. Monument to the Founders of Irkutsk
- 8. 130 Kvartal
- 9. Sculpture Babr
- 10. Tourist Monument
Top Restaurants in Irkutsk
The 10 Best Things to Do in Irkutsk, Russia
Founded in the mid-17th century as a winter quarters for traders and tax collectors, Irkutsk came to prominence in the 1800s. Participants in the Decembrist revolt against Tsar Nicholas I were exiled to Siberia in droves, turning Irkutsk into their cultural center. Today, it’s one of Siberia’s biggest and most important cities, with over half a million people, many universities, many historic churches and museums, and beautiful Lake Baikal, just about an hour away by train.
Restaurants in Irkutsk
1. Irkutsk Academic Drama Theater
Overall Ratings
5 based on 162 reviews
Reviewed By rimsky12 - Battle, United Kingdom
Actually, NOT at the Drama Theatre, but at the Musical Theatre, which is not listed on Trip Advisor! I saw Verdi's Aida, a touring production from Ulan Ude, which was not only superbly sung, and quite well played, it was imaginatively and luxuriously designed in traditional style. The theatre is clearly Soviet in style, as are the prices. I paid the equivalent of £3 for an excellent seat. GO!!
2. Cathedral of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God
Overall Ratings
5 based on 119 reviews
Reviewed By 359kwangnamk - Seoul, South Korea
I visited this Cathedral in Feb 2017. It was very cold and there were many ice carving/sculptures outside the Cathedral.One of the beautiful Cathedral that i have seen in Russia. Inside the Cathedral was amazing. Icons, mural paintings were really fantastic. Must see place in Irkutsk. Small ice carving chapel was really beautiful.
3. Znamensky Monastery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 123 reviews
Reviewed By MomDives - New York
A beautiful setting, a peaceful spot and a chance to reunite with a religious we met on the TransSiberian railroad headed to Irkutsk. The iconography in the Church is consistent with many of the churches in the City. The grounds of the monastery are pleasant to walk through,
4. Cathedral of The Epiphany
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 176 reviews
Reviewed By Unnikrishnan B - Thrissur, India
It is small but beautiful Cathedral, painted new and colorful. The Angara river besides gave a special reflection to the walls. There was not much people inside the Cathedral but very spiritual atmosphere. I met a girl there resembling the Vermeer’s paining ‘Girl with a Pearl Earring’.
5. Irkutsk Regional Memorial Decembrists Museum, Volkonsky House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 233 reviews
Reviewed By MartinBaxter58 - Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Nicely preserved house belonging to the Decembrists' after they were exiled to Siberia from Moscow for attempting to rise up and assassinate / remove the Russian Tsar. They were predominantly youngish but senior Russian military officers who after seeing liberal French policies in Paris (which they had captured after defeating Napoleon) were inspired to remove the Tsar and likewise liberalise Russia. Naturally they failed and were thus exiled to Irkutsk. House itself was beautiful and full of gorgeous fittings. Apparently the obvious wealth of the inhabitants was provided by the wife's of those exiled. This still confuses me as it seams that given the seriousness of their crimes, rebelling and attempting to assassinate the Tsar, they got off significantly lightly !!! Nevertheless well worth a visit to see the magnificent architecture and get a better understanding of the Decembrist revolt and what happened to those involved. Need a good English speaking guide to get the best out of the visit. As part of our tour had a private Russian classical concert, not my cup of tea but greatly enjoyed by others in our group.
6. Gallery of V. Bronshteyn
Overall Ratings
5 based on 80 reviews
The gallery of modern art in Irkutsk offers free and paid Exhibitions. People can get acquainted with works of Regina Prisyazhnikova, Gennady Kuzmin, Sergey Zhilin, Nicholay Basharin and other Siberian painters and scultors. The aim of the gallery is cultural education of people and promotion of Irkutsk realist artists.
7. Monument to the Founders of Irkutsk
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 254 reviews
Reviewed By Bozeman-Dublin - Dublin, Ireland
Irkutsk is a really beautiful city full of character. Perhaps the nicest part of it is the riverside walk and one of the finest monuments there is the massive monument to the founder of the city. It depicts a Cossak soldier with his greatcoat fluttering in an imaginary breeze, a weapon in his right hand as he gazes into the distance. It is one a huge plinth and towers above the river. I really liked it, its very impressive and a great place for photos both of the statue itself and the river and cityscape behind it.
8. 130 Kvartal
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 785 reviews
Reviewed By Alex K - Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
If you don't want to be wandering around the city looking for decent food then get yourself to 130 Kvartal. Made up of Russian chain and independent restaurants as well as a selection of souvenir & snack shops it's great for visitors to the city.
9. Sculpture Babr
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 213 reviews
Reviewed By TubaKoseogluOkcu - Istanbul, Turkey
This sculpture, located at the entrance of the touristic section called "130 Kvartal" has nothing special, not even an artistic value. Babr is said to be the ancient local name for a tiger and it symbolizes the uniqueness, richness and power of the area while confirming the belief that the power of Russia is increased with Siberia.
The scuplture dates only 2012 and it has somehow became a spot where all visitors of Irkutsk take a picture.
10. Tourist Monument
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 113 reviews
Reviewed By DBH1215 - Texas
irkutsk is full of statues, and it is neat to see them all, but I wouldnt go out of my way to do it. ecspecially if you are there in the winter
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