What to see in Yaroslavl

Yaroslavl is one of the oldest Russian cities and is the capital of the Golden Ring, the most popular tourist route in Russia. This is no coincidence: it is filled with architectural monuments, churches, and attractions. In this article, we tell you what you can do here, what to see, and how to get the most out of your trip. 

How to get to Yaroslavl

Yaroslavl — is an ancient city in the European part of Russia, located on the Volga River. It is 250 kilometers and is included in the list of Golden Ring cities. From the capital, you can get here by car, and from more distant regions — by train. 

Flights to Yaroslavl are regular. For example, here are tickets at great prices for the route Saint Petersburg — Yaroslavl and Moscow — Yaroslavl. You can also use our smart routes: we'll get you there comfortably and save you money.

By the way, if you are planning a trip and wondering what to see in the Golden Ring, read the article via the link.

Where to walk

Monument to Yaroslav the Wise

Where should you go to immediately get acquainted with this great city? Of course, to the Monument to Yaroslav the Wise. It stands right in the very center of Yaroslavl, on Epiphany Square. The prince looks majestic, but is condescending towards tourists: it seems he even poses for photos. In one hand, he holds a sword, and in the other, a model of a fortress. On the stone pedestal, there is a bear with an axe, referring to the legend of the city's founding. This monument appeared not so long ago, in 1993, but has already become famous throughout the country: its image adorns the thousand-ruble banknote dedicated to Yaroslavl.

Kirov Street

The historical center of Yaroslavl and the point of greatest tourist concentration: if you want to buy souvenirs for all your relatives and sit in a cozy restaurant — this is the place for you. Most of the street is pedestrian, so you can cross the road from one shop to another without risk to life. As a bonus — photogenic architecture and a sculpture of a bear, as if it stepped right off the monument to Yaroslav the Wise (yes, they are everywhere here).

Znamenskaya Tower

Initially, this tower was wooden and called Vlasyevskaya — an eponymous church stood nearby. Over time, it was rebuilt to strengthen the city's defenses. During the construction of the stone tower, an image of the Mother of God was placed on one of its walls, so soon after, the Church of the Icon of the Mother of God "The Sign" appeared there. It's worth coming here at least to see how Yaroslavl residents engage with history: currently, religious services and students of Demidov University coexist in the former defensive structure.

Red Square

This square inherited its admiration for Lenin from its Moscow sister — here he is present in the form of a monument erected on the site of the former Semyonovskaya Church. Other attractions include a 30-meter fire tower resembling a lighthouse, and a pink house with an arch (yes, a real four-story arch located right in the middle of the building and connecting residential blocks). On the ground floor of the arch, there are cafes and shops, and on the square itself, there is a park with benches. There you can sit and reflect on the Soviet past.

Assumption Cathedral

That very white-stone cathedral with golden domes that looks at you from every Easter postcard. It stands at the confluence of the Volga and Kotorosl rivers, so the view from here is simply magnificent — if you are tired of architectural sights, visit this place at least for a beautiful photo. The Assumption Cathedral was built in 1215, but alas, you won't be able to touch the centuries-old walls: it was completely destroyed in 1937, and a completely new structure was erected in 2010.

Where to go with children

Museum "Music and Time"

The museum's name accurately reflects its collection — it truly features antique musical instruments, clocks, bells, handbells, jingle bells, gramophones, barrel organs, music boxes, irons… The latter stand out a bit from the general theme, but the idea is clear. "Music and Time" is a private museum founded by John Grigoryevich Mostoslavsky, an illusionist and passionate collector. He collected his treasures throughout his life and then opened a museum based on them. We recommend visiting this place at least for its sound — all items in the collection are in working order, so the museum space rings, clangs, and taps.  

Dinosaur Park "Mysteries of the World"

Honestly, this is not an invitation to repeat the fate of the characters from the movie "Jurassic Park." You can simply take a cool photo in the mouth of a triceratops or inside a huge egg — your child will definitely appreciate it if you come here with your family. The park's territory covers a whole hectare, and at every step, some prehistoric lizard will be waiting for you. More than 50 life-sized dinosaur figures are displayed here, so it can look eerie: they move, roar, and in every way hint that they are not to be trifled with. After meeting them, you can find entertainment: for example, send your child on archaeological digs (maybe they'll unearth Atlantis?) or to a drawing master class. In general, it's a great place to take children on a weekend. 

V.V. Tereshkova Planetarium

Especially for all fans of space and the song "Earth in the Porthole." From the outside, the planetarium dome looks like a cosmic hemisphere, and from the inside, an image of the starry sky is projected onto it. There is a museum "History of Cosmonautics," an observatory, and an interactive classroom with a cinema. The Yaroslavl Planetarium's calling card is the "Shuttle" simulator attraction, allowing visitors to fly at the helm of a spaceship. The simulator operates using 5D technology, so a sense of reality is guaranteed.

Children's Railway

If the profession of an astronaut has never been your child's dream, suggest they try their hand at driving a train. Becoming a train driver isn't possible yet, but there will be someone to look up to: the trip is managed by children who have been learning this craft since childhood. The railway is about six kilometers long, and during the journey, young conductors will have time to check your tickets and announce safety rules. At one of the stops, there is a museum dedicated to the history of railways: it features old platforms, interactive models, a driver's cabin with a 5D cinema, and even a steam locomotive (in working condition!). 

Museums and Theaters

Yaroslavl Art Museum

The Yaroslavl Art Museum occupies several buildings: the Governor's House and Governor's Garden, the Metropolitan Chambers, and a mansion on Sovetskaya Square. The Governor's House is an excellent place for those who long for imperial grandeur: traveling Russian emperors regularly stayed there. Here you'll find columns, alleys, fountains, and everything we love about classicism. Currently, the Governor's House houses the main building of the Yaroslavl Art Museum and a collection of works by Russian artists. For Old Russian art, you should go to the Metropolitan Chambers, and for foreign exhibitions, to Sovetskaya Square. You can view descriptions of exhibitions and upcoming events on the website of the Yaroslavl Art Museum. 

Volkov Theater

The F.G. Volkov Drama Theater was founded in 1750. The theater's exterior screams imperial grandeur, and this is your last chance to find ancient columns in Yaroslavl (okay, don't worry — there will be more). This place is a kind of sanctuary for many actors, as the history of Russian theater begins right here. The Volkov Theater has not lost its uniqueness even now — it is still considered the center of the city's cultural life, and its repertoire is regularly updated with interesting productions.

Museum of Yaroslavl City History

The museum's territory occupies a former merchant's estate located on the Volga embankment. The museum's collection is dedicated to Yaroslavl's history — from ancient to modern, so visiting this place will give you a fairly comprehensive understanding of the city. Here, household items, weapons, archival documents, clothing, belongings of famous Yaroslavl residents, and archaeological finds are exhibited. Of particular interest is the collection dedicated to the history of Yaroslavl medicine — from its folk healing past to the latest devices.

What to see in the surroundings

Vyatka Museum Village

Thirty kilometers from Yaroslavl — and you are in Vyatskoye. The ancient trading village was in a deplorable state until Oleg Zharov settled there. Falling in love with these places, he restored merchant houses one by one, and later — the entire village. Now it is a historical and cultural complex with fifteen interesting museums, a cinema and concert hall, a rope park, a hotel, and a restaurant. Nearby, the ancient Church of the Resurrection of Christ has been restored. 

Museum-Reserve "Karabikha"

15 kilometers south of Yaroslavl, the noble estate "Karabikha" has been preserved. This is a beautiful estate complex with a magnificent landscape, created by generations of the Golitsyn princes. By the way, the famous Russian poet Nikolai Nekrasov came here for the summer, and it was here that he worked on his works: "Grandfather," "Russian Women," "Contemporaries," "Frost, Red Nose," "Who Lives Well in Russia." You will really like it here if you want to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of Tsarist Russia. 

Yaroslavl Zoo

Almost without leaving the city, you can see an amazing collection of animals at the Yaroslavl Zoo. Bears, tigers, lions, ostriches, alpacas, kangaroos, and many others live here. There are contact animals that you can pet and feed, such as goat kids and ostriches. A particularly cool part of the zoo is the zooexotarium with nocturnal inhabitants: civets, caimans, pacas, kinkajous, and cockatoos. 

Where to eat in Yaroslavl

Yaroslavl has many wonderful restaurants. We've gathered the most top-rated ones for you. 

• "Penaty"
  Sovetskaya Street, 28.
  Average check: 1,500 rubles.
• "Sobranie"
  Volzhskaya Embankment, 33.
  Average check: 1,000 rubles.
• "Baguette, Pâté, and Yellow Plaid"
  Sobinova Street, 41B.
  Average check: 1,200 rubles.
• "Vanilla Sky"
  Volzhskaya Embankment, 2.
  Average check: 1,500 rubles.
• "Boulevard"
  Chelyuskintsev Square, 14.
  Average check: 1,000 rubles.

When is the best time to go

Winter in Yaroslavl is wonderful. Local attractions become truly magical under a blanket of snow. This time of year offers pleasant walks, the crunch of snow, and a good Russian frost. Just remember to dress warmly!

Other seasons are also good here, but with varying success: sometimes there are heavy rains, sometimes Yaroslavl is hit by intense heat. However, usually in spring and autumn, the daytime temperature stays around +11 degrees Celsius, and in summer — around +25. 

Tips

Sometimes the popularity of the Golden Ring's capital can be off-putting. But we assure you, Yaroslavl is not only a historical place but also a modern city. Of course, the churches are definitely worth seeing, but don't forget about other activities. For example, here you'll find:

• "Damansky Island" amusement park with lots of carousels, including extreme ones: "Mars," "Mir," "Free Fall Tower," "Octopus," "Fear Room";
• a modern skate park where you can relive your youth and ride with the breeze;
• the trendy club "Med" (Honey), which attracts nightlife lovers; 
• the art space "Teplo" (Warmth) with brilliant ideas.
  
  So think broader: discover Yaroslavl from all sides. 

Well, that's it — you are ready to visit the great Yaroslavl, one of the pearls of our beautiful country. By the way, two more wonderful cities are located quite close by: in the blog, we talk about the attractions of Kostroma and what to see in Veliky Ustyug.