The Top Attractions in Samara, Russia
As the gateway to the Volga region and a major transport hub, much of the old port city of Samara’s charm lies in its surroundings and historical relics. Russia’s sixth biggest city is an ideal place to soak up the impressive Volga, or get out to the nearby Zhiguli Mountains. Here’s our pick of the top attractions in town.
1. Stalin's bunker
The equivalent of a 12-storey building, Stalin’s bunker – one of several – extends 37 metres (121 feet) below the ground. Built over multiple levels, with the ability to hold over 115 people for five days, it was only discovered by locals in 1991
Ulitsa Frunze, 167, Samara, Russia, +7 846 333 35 71
2. Samara Regional Museum of Art
Museum
3. Samara beach
On the sandy banks of the Volga, Samara city beach thaws its visitors out after a long cold winter. Swim, sunbathe and relax along the sandy banks of Europe’s longest river.
5. Museum of Modern Art
Building, Museum
6. Volga River lookout
A former helipad, the observation deck here offers one of the best views of the Volga imagineable. A short trip out of town, it is the perfect point to see the Samara bend, the point where the river hairpins through the Zhiguli Mountains.
7. Stella Rook
Quietly graceful, this public art sculpture is locally known as ‘the boat’, as its elegant neck juts out towards the Volga.
8. Samara Space Museum
Museum
9. Samara Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre
Building
An imposing building, this structure is one of Russia’s biggest state theatres. While ballet and opera classics are the theatre’s staple, it has also begun to branch out into contemporary productions.
Ploshchad Kuybysheva 1, Samara, Russia, +7 846 332 25 09
10. Zasyekin Monument
Located close to the shores of the Volga along the embankment, this monument shows Grigory Zasyekin, ‘the bronze horseman’ and Samara’s founder, immortalised in statue form.
11. Zhiguli Brewery
Brewery
12. Iversky Women's Monastery
Brewery, Monastery, School
Near Zhigui Brewery, this nunnery dates back to 1850 and was home to 38 Russian Orthodox sisters. Over the years it has also been a girls’ school and orphanage, run by the nuns who served there.
Volzhskiy Prospekt, Samara, Russia, +7 846 332 81 46
13. Church of George Victorious
Church
14. Peter and Fevronia Monument
Church, Park
A tribute to the Russian Orthodox patron saints of family and marriage, this statue can be found in the park near the Church of George Victorious.
15. Zhiguli Mountains
Natural Feature
16. Samara Embankment
Stroll down this lakeside promenade, relax in the gardens to watch daily life go by, or gaze out across the Volga. With monuments, kiosks and the occasional busker, it’s the ideal place to while away a sunny afternoon.
Volzhskiy Prospekt 43, Samara, Russia
https://www.instagram.com/p/BWfEoC5BRbR/?tagged=samararussia
17. Konstantin Golovkin's cottage
Villa
Two life-sized elephants flank merchant and artist Konstantin Golovkin’s eccentric summer residence. Built in the early 20th century and now in disuse, the estate features a design embellished with unconventional Art Deco touches.
18. Samara Synagogue
Synagogue
19. Samara Cathedral Mosque
Cathedral, Mosque
20. Tolstoy's Memorial Estate
Memorial
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.