Yekaterinburg Travel Guide, Russia

Yekaterinburg is Russia’s fifth largest city, no small feat in a country that takes up much of northern Eurasia. The city is located on the eastern side of the Ural Mountains, and it is the capital of the Urals region. Yekaterinburg is said to be situated at the border of Europe and Asia, and from a cultural point of view, this is a rather accurate description. This city combines the best from east and west, and it’s no surprise that it is one of Russia’s most important cultural and industrial centers. Although Yekaterinburg hosts over thirty museums and even more monuments, as befitting its status as a cultural centre, the city’s nightlife is quite lively too. Whether you come to Yekaterinburg to admire its sights, to shop or simply to have fun, you definitely won’t be disappointed. This Yekaterinburg Travel Guide offers some basic information about this wonderful city.

Yekaterinburg Travel Guide - Transport

Koltsovo International Airport, situated at 16 kilometers from Yekaterinburg, is the fifth largest airport in Russia, so naturally there are good connections with numerous destinations in Russia and abroad. Several airlines offer flights to and from Moscow, Saratov, Perm etc, so if any of these is your point of departure you’ll have no trouble getting to Yekaterinburg. The almost legendary Trans-Siberian Railway passes through the city, so you can easily catch a train to Yekaterinburg from any of the many other stops along the line. Yekaterinburg is also at the centre of an extensive regional railway network, and there are good connections with other cities in the Urals region. You can also travel to Yekaterinburg by car, but keep in mind that the city centre is famous for having horrible traffic and few parking spaces. However, the public transport system within the city is quite reliable and cheap. Yekaterinburg also has an underground train line which is quick and inexpensive, but locals jokingly refer to it as the shortest metro line in the world. The best way to get around the city centre is on foot; just make sure that you visit the Tourist Information Centre where you can find maps of the city with both Cyrillic and Roman inscriptions.

Yekaterinburg Travel Guide - Accommodation

Yekaterinburg Hostel is the first hostel opened in the city, and it is by far the most popular with backpackers nowadays. The hostel is located in the historical centre of the city, close to the main tourist attraction. The living conditions are decent, and good value for money and the friendliness of the staff is simply outstanding. If you are looking for peace and quiet, this Yekaterinburg Travel Guide recommends Alexandrovsky Park Hotel, a charming little place situated in a calm neighborhood of the city. The hotel’s restaurant in open 24/7, and the breakfast included in the price is delicious. Facilities include a sauna and an indoor pool. If you prefer large, bustling hotels, you might like Park Inn Hotel, a high standard establishment that will satisfy even the pickiest tourist. Rooms are large and comfortable, and there is free internet access, mini bar, and an excellent restaurant.