Yekaterinburg is the thriving heart of the Ural Mountains, a place where quaint Baroque churches sit next to avant-garde sculptures and spacious parks. A combination of European and Asian influences, Yekaterinburg offers a cluster of cosmopolitan restaurants and energetic nightlife venues.

Things to do

The most famous monument in Yekaterinburg is the Church on the Blood, which commemorates the last Tsar of Russia, Nicholas II. Admire the exquisite ceiling paintings and the museum dedicated to the Romanovs. Across the street is the elaborate Church of Ascension with its ornate Baroque flourishes and vivid blue colouring. Discover more Baroque art at the Museum of Fine Arts and admire their collection of classical Russian paintings.

Modern landmarks in the city include the Iset Weir, with its colourful fountains and classical music, and the QWERTY monument, an outdoor sculpture in the form of a huge keyboard. Round off your sightseeing with a visit to Yekaterinburg’s tallest building, Vysotsky Skyscraper, which has an observation deck on the 52nd floor with panoramic views of the city.

Whether you like classical concerts, acoustic or techno, you can find it all at The Loft, a trendy bar that also hosts film festivals. If you want traditional Russian cuisine, your best bet is Palekh in the Grand Hall Hotel, which serves classic dishes like cold-smoked trout and home-made sausages, along with some of the city’s best vodka.

Getting around

Koltsovo Airport is the main gateway to Yekaterinburg, around 25 minutes’ drive from the city or a one-hour bus ride. There’s a single metro line running through the city centre that stops near most major attractions, while trams and light rail lines cover most of the city.