Irkutsk Bites & Sites

General information

Destination
Irkutsk, Russia

Program details

We start our tour in the heart of Irkutsk, the main hub of eastern Siberia, where you’ll have the opportunity to walk along Karl Marx street, one of the most important streets in the city. Each building has its own history that goes back more then a century, which you’ll learn about as we walk. We’ll stop at a craft beer bar for a drink, and while trying some local beer you’ll have the opportunity to learn some interesting facts from your local guide about the Decembrists (Russian revolutionaries) and their families, and how their history intertwines with Irkutsk. Walking further, we’ll observe a unique blend of architectural styles, and check out the only pedestrian street in the city, lined with shops and restaurants.



Next, it’s time to snack on some local dumplings. There are so many types of dumplings all over the world, but the ones that we eat in Siberia are different — and we’re pretty sure you’re going to love them. Try some examples stuffed with different fillings (meat, cheese or potato) and get to know more about Russian and Siberian cuisine. Full and happy, we’ll continue our walk, learning more about the city as we go, and then make a quick stop at one of the coolest bars in the city: Library Bar, where photos of Russian literary celebrities line the walls. Moving off of Karl Marx Street you’ll get the opportunity to see something that the city is famous for: its historic wooden houses. There are several streets in Irkutsk where all of the houses are made of wood and beautifully carved, making them a must-see for anyone visiting the city. After learning about Irkutsk’s wooden architecture, we’ll head towards Angara River with its pure blue water and pretty whirlpools. Walking along the modern embankment you will see a few more of the city’s sights and experience one of the best ways to spend a laid-back afternoon in Irkutsk.



The end of our tour will lead us right to the place where the city started, a square with three churches, one of which is the oldest stone structure in the city. From here, stay and see more of Irkutsk on your own, or we’re happy to suggest a few more memorable sights to check out.