16 Must-Visit Attractions You Must Visit in Sochi

Stalin’s big dacha is open to the public. He used to visit this place quite often and usually held meetings with political leaders of the period. An opportunity to rent a room is provided to visitors, so they can experience the true spirit of Russian communism of the past. Downstairs there’s a small museum displaying Stalin’s waxwork and personal belongings.

This Aquarium is considered to be one of the biggest oceanariums in Europe, and it’s a very popular tourist attraction in this region. You can see sharks, penguins, seahorses, dolphins and many other marine inhabitants.

The Sochi Art Museum was built back in 1936. Around 5,000 art pieces are introduced here along with works of renowned Russian artists like Shishkin and Serov. Debut exhibitions of local painters are regularly organised here.

The Sochi Arboretum (or Dendrary Park) was built in 1892; it’s a must-visit attraction in Sochi. This green park with a huge amount of different exotic plants has a relaxing, calm and pleasant atmosphere. Don’t miss the panoramic view of the sea and coast via the local cable car.

This museum originally opened in 1920; it was closed some years after, and now the doors of the recently renovated museum are open again. The collection of classic Russian art was introduced some decades ago, with all of the artefacts and photos mostly connected to the city’s rich history.

This lake is simply huge and absolutely breathtaking. Ritsa is surrounded by green hills and beautiful plants. You will have an opportunity to pass through small waterfalls and walk along the banks to enjoy the scenic views. The lake is located around 950 metres above sea level and provides visitors the best spots for taking photos.

This attraction of Sochi is undoubtedly one of the most visited places in the city. Fountains were built back in 1970, and they are situated right in front of the Sochi Trade Gallery. Unfortunately the fountains are only active when it’s hot outside and usually once it begins to get dark.

Undoubtedly this place was blessed by nature long long time ago. The city of Sochi is full of numerous wonders, among them you can find a place called 33 waterfalls which is considered to be the most impressive is this collection of wonders of nature. The highest one is only 10 metres, however all of these falls are very picturesque, particularly when the snow starts to melt in March. Don’t miss it because you’ll never forget it.

A place called Matsesta (meaning: ‘fire and water’) is a micro-district in Sochi located on the Black Sea coast and surrounded by hot springs. The water from the hot springs contains more than 27 types of minerals and mainly used to treat people. Those who have respiratory and cardiac problems visit this place annually, however it is also a perfect place for spa relaxation and treatments. Bathing rooms and massage cabinets, everything you need for a perfect spa day.

The 700-metre Akhun Mountain is the highest point of coastal area, providing an awesome and spectacular view of the local countryside and city to all of the visitors. There are also many ancient caves in the Sochi area, making this city even more mystic and exciting.

Probably the first thing on most people’s to-do lists in Sochi is to hit the beach, and there are plenty to choose from, depending on your seaside style. Riviera is Sochi’s most popular beach, which offers all the standard boardwalk trappings, and the central beach stretches along the length of the city’s embankment. However, there are plenty of more secluded and even private beaches to choose from. To enjoy the ocean and the mountains at the same time, take a sea cruise, as they will offer the ultimate panorama of the Black Sea, the Sochi sprawl and the mighty Caucasus Mountains. Recommended by Zita Whalley.

Whether you’re after a day trip, an afternoon walk or an overnight stay, there are plenty of opportunities for nature lovers to explore the Caucasus Mountains. Mount Fisht offers some epic views that sweep out across the Black Sea. The Caucasian State Biosphere Reserve has rugged peaks, serene mountain lakes, waterfalls and alpine meadows to explore. Permits are required for this, but can be purchased easily. Recommended by Zita Whalley.

In the centre of the city, an eight-metre tall mosaic of the founding leader of the Soviet Union observes all the nearby goings-on. The mosaic was unveiled in 1980 for what would have been the revolutionary’s 110th birthday. Lenin led the Bolshevik Revolution that ended imperial rule and paved the way for the formation of the Soviet Union. While there are mixed feelings among Russians about him, many still admire and revere him. Recommended by Zita Whalley.

A twelve-kilometre labyrinth of caves lies underground near the Black Sea. Around 500 metres of the network are open to the public to explore, about 40 kilometres outside of the city. Many of the cavernous chambers are adorned in stalactites and stalagmites and have underground lakes and rivers running through them. Remember, even in summer it is cold underground, so wear trousers and bring a jumper. Recommended by Zita Whalley.

Russians love their tea, and Sochi’s subtropical weather has made the region the tea-growing capital of the nation. The region is also the most northerly tea growing area in the world. A tour around the plantation is another opportunity to soak up the beauty of the Caucasus Mountains, as well as an opportunity to sample tea along with locally made jams and freshly baked pastries. Recommended by Zita Whalley.

Markets are always great places to sample local life, and Sochi’s central market is no exception. An ideal opportunity to get a taste of regional flavours, the market is filled with fresh produce, locally made tea as well as aromatic herbs and spices. Spread over several floors, the market is also the place to sample and buy regional and Georgian wine as well as Caucasian desserts. Recommended by Zita Whalley.