Location: Irkutsk
Top Things to do in Irkutsk
Top Restaurants in Irkutsk
Countries
Top 10 Free Things to do in Irkutsk, Siberian District
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. Church of the Savior of the Holy Face
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 93 reviews
Reviewed By 874AndrewE - White Bear Lake, United States
As part of a guided city tour enjoyed the views of the exterior of this lovely church. Great views from many angles as you walk around the church and adjoining park.
2. Cathedral of The Epiphany
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 222 reviews
Reviewed By Kanbaatar - Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
The Cathedral of The Epiphany, located very close to the Angara River, here in Irkutsk, Russia, sits amidst a fair number of other very interesting attractions. So this is definitely a prime area to visit here in Irkutsk. The exterior of the Russian Orthodox Cathedral is very beautiful as is its interior. Now for an interesting aside. I had visited the Cathedral of the Epiphany and totally missed truly seeing a pair of monumental busts along side of the Cathedral. First you have the Monument to Saint Innocent of Alaska. His monument, along with a neighboring monument to Saint Sophronius of Irkutsk, tend to be lost so to speak in the shadows of the great Cathedral of the Epiphany. I found out about these two monuments while researching Things to do in Irkutsk and returned to the Cathedral specifically to see them and to write a review thereof.
3. Znamensky Monastery
4. Holy Cross Cathedral
5. Monument to the Founders of Irkutsk
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 308 reviews
Reviewed By saronic - Zurich, Switzerland
When strolling along the Nizhnya Naberezhnaya, the Lower Embankment, one will come to an about 6m high monument, just opposite the place, where the river Irkut flows into the larger Angara river. This is supposed to be the spot, where in 1661 the Cossack leader Yakov Pokhabov had an 'ostrog' built, a for Russia and especially Siberia typical small fortress out of wood and surrounded by a palisade. Pokhabov had been in the area since 15 years already, visiting the Khan of Mongolia and exploring Lake Baikal, occupied with gold trading and collecting fur taxes for the tsar from the local Buryats. Before a dam was built the stretch of the Angara river from here to Lake Baikal had been almost impossible to navigate. so Irkutsk began to develop, especially as a center of commerce between Russia and China, so another 15 years after the construction of the ostrog Irkutsk received town rights. the monument was unveiled in 2011, thus 350 years after the foundation of Irkutsk. On top of a tall red marble pedestal is a bronze statue of a typical cossack, only later named after Yakov Pokhabov. The monument is the creation of Mikhail Pereyaslavets, the prolific Moscow sculptor, best known for his work of patriotic-military figures. In Irkutsk can be seen another sculpture of his: the Monument to the Wives of the Decembrists near the Volkonsky Manor House.
6. Cathedral of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 207 reviews
Reviewed By Kanbaatar - Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Icon .. Noun : a picture, image, or other representation. Kazan .. A city in Russia, 820 kilometers almost due-East of Moscow, on the Volga River. The original icon of Our Lady of Kazan / Mother-of-God of Kazan, dates back to the 13th century. I am not sure we know if the original icon has survived centuries of mystery including being stolen in 1904. It is doubtful. The two most famous, or most noted, Russian Orthodox Cathedrals consecrated to Our Lady of Kazan are in Moscow and St. Petersburg, Russia. As I write this review, currently on the Trip Advisor listing of Things to do here in Irkutsk, The Cathedral of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God stands as the number one, top-of-the-list attraction. This makes it a good reason not to pay it a visit due to it being crowded with sight-seers and somewhat, just a little, hard to find. My wife and I no choice in the decision to visit the Cathedral. Friends who live here in Irkutsk (unbeknown to us) simply took us to see it (along with a slew of other major attractions I must add). Bottom Line : IF churches / cathedrals / religious sites are of interest to you, this is an absolute must-do, must-see, attraction to visit. Yes there were many other visitors. No they did not detract in anyway whatsoever from our enjoying our visit. The ice sculptures alone were worth seeing. It is beautiful, gorgeous, fascinating, wonderful to see.
7. 130 Kvartal
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 948 reviews
Reviewed By SiberianVoyager - New York City, United States
Lovely new district styled with old wooden houses with cafes, restaurants and shops. Very pleasant walk in the evening. I wish the food was better there.
