The mini tourist boom in Irkutsk in the past few years has seen inevitable development, with the city’s 19th-century architectural foundation now standing side-by-side with modern restaurants, hip bars and stylish hotels. Visitors can explore the multitude of churches and monasteries throughout town, as well as a good selection of museums and art galleries. The spectacular Lake Baikal is another popular tourist hotspot, and is less than an hour’s drive from Irkutsk.
A handpicked selection of experiences endorsed by our experts. If you can’t see what you’re looking for, let us know, as our extensive network of local contacts can open many doors.
Rich in bright gold and silver colours, this magnificent 19th-century cathedral stands proud as one of Irkutsk’s most popular religious buildings. But it’s not just the outside which is impressive; visitors are allowed inside during the day, and the exterior boasts stunning murals covering the walls and ceilings.
Constructed in the late 19th century, this impressively elaborate complex was built to honour Prince Vladimir who originally baptized Russia. Although much smaller in size, the monastery draws some similarities to the iconic St. Basil’s Cathedral in Moscow’s Red Square with its array of turrets which are capped off with bright blue tones that can be seen for miles.
Set in a quaint 19th-century building, this popular museum houses exhibitions detailing Irkutsk’s history as well as some interesting artifacts from around Eastern Siberia. You’ll find pre-Russian wooden yurts alongside photography galleries as well as model constructions of many buildings in the city. The museum is easy to find, located in the middle of the city.
In recent years, Irkutsk has experienced something of a mini tourist boom, and one of the epicentres of it all is as at the popular ‘Ul. Uritskogo Road’. Walk down at night to see the area at its liveliest, with small shops, cute cafes and a selection of boutique guesthouses opening their doors to the passing visitors, many of whom are taking a break from their long train journey across Siberia.
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An extraordinary trip across an extraordinary part of the world takes you around Siberia's stunning Lake Baikal, the largest of its type in the world. Circumnavigate the lake whilst visiting isolated beaches, peering down jaw-dropping cliffs and tackling challenging off-road terrain.
This trip focuses on the eastern part of the Trans-Siberian, less well-known and therefore less crowded. Starting from the blue jewel of Lake Baikal, you'll stop over in cities such as Ulan-Ude and Khabarovsk before reaching the Pacific Ocean.
Ride the iconic Trans-Siberian Railway across beautifully picturesque and dreamlike landscapes over 16 days, stopping off at exquisite destinations en route. From Moscow to Vladivostok, enjoy a boundless experience while catching a glimpse of striking scenes as they sail past your window.
As the waters of Lake Baikal sparkle with ice, the cooler months in this region reveal a true Siberian winter wonderland. Enjoy every comfort, delicacy and delight in a whirlwind of authentic cuisine, steaming drinks, stunning scenery and cultural experiences against a backdrop of glittering snow and ice.
Spend an unforgettable eight days sailing around the stunning Lake Baikal, the sparkling sapphire in the heart of Siberia. Aboard the Galsan, your own private catamaran, you'll cruise from sweeping bay to mountainous valley at your own pace.
Embark on the world’s most famous overland journey from Moscow to Beijing, delving deep into the Siberian wilderness along the way. Cross three countries and two continents - accumulating almost 3,500 miles, all whilst bunking down for the night in the train, waking up to an ever-evolving landscape each morning.
Discover the highlights of Siberia on a journey along the iconic Trans-Siberian Railway. You'll explore Novosibirsk, Krasnoyarsk, Irkutsk, Lake Baikal and Olkhon Island, and the Republic of Buryatia. This is the best of Siberia, explored in the best the way.
Escape the crowds and explore Siberia in the harshest, but arguably most rewarding, season, with a scenic winter route along the iconic Trans-Siberian Railway. This 11-day tour of Siberian highlights is designed specifically with the cooler months in mind - ideal for those looking for a winter wonderland escape.
Venture where few travelers have gone before - isolated Siberia and the rural South Gobi Desert in this two-week tour through Russia and Mongolia. Meet isolated cultures in the desert and learn about Soviet-era times from within an authentic setting as you stay in luxurious hotels and camp underneath the stars.
Irkutsk, Siberia & Russian Far East
Irkutsk is a city full of aging and rundown hotels, but thankfully the recent opening of Courtyard by Marriott addressed this problem, offering modern and comfortable rooms alongside a range of facilities and amenities. Heralded as the best hotel in the city, this three-star hotel has a globally-recognized name that all travelers can trust. Rooms number 208 (including eight suites) and come well-appointed with carpeted floors, large comfy beds, WiFi, satellite television, heating controls and stylish en-suite bathrooms. Courtyard by Marriott Irkutsk is also ideally placed in the city center, just a short walk from Kirov Place, the Angara River, a popular drama theater and the art museum. The UNESCO World Heritage Center of Baikal Lake is also around a one-hour drive from the hotel. In terms of on-site amenities, guests are spoilt for choice with a range of dining options including an all-day international restaurant, bar, meeting room and fitness room.
Irkutsk, Siberia & Russian Far East
Multi-Country Specialists
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