Novosibirsk is the official capital of Siberia and the third biggest city in Russia. Despite this it is a rarely visited place by Trans-Siberian travellers not being blessed with much by way of sights and being a good example of Soviet industrial scale architecture. It does have more to offer on the cultural side including well regarded theatres and ballet – see the photo above of the impressive opera house – as well as more modern fare in nightclubs and live music venues. Just not enough to make it a popular stop!
BEST MONTHS TO VISIT NOVOSIBIRSK
NOVOSIBIRSK WEATHER AVERAGES
REASON TO VISIT NOVOSIBIRSK
We would generally favour Ekaterinburg or Krasnoyarsk over Novosibirsk as despite it’s size it somewhat lacks the sights to make it a worthwhile Trans-Siberian stopover.
NOVOSIBIRSK TRAVEL TIP
To be honest we normally advise missing Novosibirsk unless you have a particular reason to visit here such as following one of the routes into Central Asia as there are many other more appealing places to visit along the Trans-Siberian Railway.
HIGHLIGHTS OF NOVOSIBIRSK
The Novosibirsk State Museum of Local History and Nature is pretty much was it says it is.
Lenin Square which still has a Soviet era statue of Lenin on it and the Opera and Ballet House which is one of Russia’s best.
The Novosibirsk Zoo built in the 1990’s and better than most in Russia.
The West Siberian Rail Museum has about 90 old trains and carriages to see – it is 2 km north of Akademgorodok.
Visit the scientific city of Akademgorodok which houses many museums and is an example of mass Soviet planning.
Catch a performance at the huge Opera House on Lenin Square.
HAND PICKED NOVOSIBIRSK ACCOMMODATION
A good standard option in Novosibirsk is the Azimut Hotel Siberia. The best option is the Marriott right by the Opera House.
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