A weekend of fun: what to do, eat and see in the Samara region

A weekend of fun: what to do, eat and see in the Samara region

The Samara region is often called the heart of Russia – the outlines of the map really do resemble a heart. But that’s not the only reason: we tell you why you should go there in the summer and what places you should visit to fall in love with the region. Although spoiler: you still won’t be able to avoid falling in love!

You can get to the Samara region from anywhere in the country. Kurumoch International Airport is connected by air lines to almost all Russian regions; the flight time from Moscow to Samara will be an hour and a half. You can also get to your destination by train (several major railway lines pass through the region), by car along the M5 federal highway or by boat (there is a Moscow-Samara river cruise).

It is worth planning your trip in advance – many tourists want to visit the sights of the region. More than 3 million people visit the region every year.

In addition to issuing tickets and booking a hotel (they often stay at Alpen Park 5 * in Tolyatti and / or Realiance 4 * in Samara), it is better to immediately make a list of places you need to visit. We will be happy to help you! So, upon arrival in the Samara region, it is worth it …

Visit the AVTOVAZ museum in Togliatti

In 1966, a car plant was founded in Togliatti, and in 1976, the AVTOVAZ museum was opened. It is located in the Avtozavodsky district of the city, on the first floor of the corporate university. The museum has two halls where models of serial, sports and concept cars, a collection of engines, as well as photographs, prizes and awards are presented. The tour will be interesting to listen to for all members of the family.

A weekend of fun: what to do, eat and see in the Samara region

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Admire the Volga and Samara Luka from a bird’s eye view

The nature of the Samara region amazes with its beauty and diversity. For example, on Samarskaya Luka (the largest and most famous bend of the Volga) there is the Zhigulevsky State Nature Reserve named after I. I. Sprygina. The territory has amazing flora and fauna: 998 species of plants, 248 species of birds, 6000 species of insects, many of which are listed in the Red Book.

Entrance here is allowed if accompanied by a full-time guide – there is an excursion along the route to Mount Strelnaya. This is one of the highest peaks of the Zhiguli Mountains (351 meters above sea level).

The observation deck offers a breathtaking panorama of the Trans-Volga region

Take a walk through the village of Shiryaevo

The next place, located in the Zhigulevsky Nature Reserve named after I. I. Sprygin and the Samarskaya Luka National Park, is a must-see for several reasons. First of all, there is a museum complex on the territory: it consists of the house-museum of I. E. Repin (it was here that the artist made sketches for the famous painting “Barge Haulers on the Volga”), the house-museum of A. V. Shiryaevets (a poet, a close friend of S. A. Yesenin), the estate of I. Vdovin. Musical and poetry evenings, folk festivals and folk holidays are held here.

You can relax in the eco-hotel Mayak, located on the territory of the national park. Here you can also refresh yourself; the restaurant menu includes Neapolitan pizza, Russian and Italian dishes.

Secondly, the village has an observation deck on Mount Popov, from where a picturesque landscape overlooking the Volga opens. The surroundings of Shiryaev are often called “Volga Switzerland” or “the Pearl of Zhiguli”: small colorful houses and mountains resemble European motifs.

The museum complex recreates the life of a typical 19th-century Volga peasant estate

Visit the art hubs

There are six stylish cultural and leisure areas in the Samara region. In addition, it is worth noting the work and leisure center “Stankozavod”, where the “Mechanical Iron Foundry Repair Plant” used to operate. And the creative center “Artist”, located on the basis of the former clothing production of the Otrada fur factory.

Both art centers are located in Samara; on their territory there are a large number of cafes, bars and restaurants, as well as local exhibition halls. On the roof of Stankozavod, which, by the way, is open 24 hours a day, concerts and parties are held in the evenings – you can spend the sunset listening to familiar songs.

Dom77 is a creative cluster in the historic center of Samara

Sunset on the roof of the Stankozavod art center

Take a look at the Tretyakov Gallery branch

In 2023, Samara, on the site of a unique monument of constructivism, the Factory-Kitchen of the Factory named after. Maslennikov opened a branch of the Tretyakov Gallery. The first exhibition in the restored building is called “Taste and Color. Images of Food in Russian Art.” The exhibition includes 82 works from the collection of the State Tretyakov Gallery and 10 works from private collections. The exhibition will be open until November 3 – it will be great if you have time!

The exhibition features famous paintings, installations and videos with food elements

Taste the local cuisine

In many local establishments, the emphasis is on fresh fish and seafood dishes. For example, the Tangerine Crab restaurant in Togliatti with a holiday atmosphere (we all need it!) and sand (on the veranda, in the lobby and even in the toilets). The menu includes original dishes: Volga fish soup, Thai salad with squid, octopus, chorizo ​​​​and walnut sauce, for example. You can relax with your family in the Italian restaurant Tavola Perfetta. An open kitchen, spacious halls and a children’s room – all for convenience.

The next recommendation is the meat restaurant “Vasche Fire” with the motto “Smoke, fire and rock and roll!” in Samara. A Russian wood-fired oven, an American smokehouse, an Argentine parilla – the establishment has collected all kinds of utensils for cooking meat.

And one more thing: on the way to the airport, visit the helicopter observation deck, which offers a panoramic view of the Volga and the village of Krasnaya Glinka – a pleasant aftertaste after a bright journey!



Source: The Voice Mag

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