The capital of the Golden Ring, the most ancient settlement on the Volga, a city whose entire historical center is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. If you decide to go to Yaroslavl, you should be well prepared, because against the backdrop of such regalia, just mindlessly running through a couple of central streets seems at least wrong. We have prepared a detailed guide: we tell you how to get there, where to stay, what sights of Yaroslavl and the region you must explore, and what local dishes to try.
How to get there
You can get from Moscow to Yaroslavl in different ways: by plane, train, regular bus or private car.
The city has an airport with regular flights from St. Petersburg, Sochi and Kazan. There are very few flights from the capital, but the flight is only 1 hour.
Several trains depart from the Yaroslavsky station towards the city every day. Ticket prices start from 552 rubles, the journey takes from 3 to 5 hours depending on the chosen train.
Buses to Yaroslavl depart from the Shchelkovsky bus station. A ticket can be bought for 900 rubles, the journey will take about 5 hours. But buses run frequently: every one and a half to two hours.
It is convenient to get to Yaroslavl by car, in which case the journey will take about 3.5 hours. The distance from the capital to the city is 267 km; following directly along the M8 highway, you will pass Korolev, Pereslavl-Zalessky and Rostov Veliky. The road is good and comfortable, to Pereslavl there is a four-lane highway with a dividing strip, then two or three lanes. The option by car is convenient because this way you can see not only all the sights in Yaroslavl, but also travel around the surrounding area, where there is also a lot of interesting things.
Where to stay
Yaroslavl is a popular city among tourists, so there are many accommodation options, from hotels of famous world chains to guest houses and apartments. We have chosen three hotels with good reviews for different tastes and budgets. If you look at the map of Yaroslavl with attractions, you will see that these options are also excellently located.
Hotel complex “Ioann Vasilievich”, 4 stars, from 4,900 rubles per night for a double room. Boutique hotel in the historical center of the city. There are only 27 rooms, decorated based on famous films filmed in Yaroslavl and the surrounding area. The hotel has an excellent restaurant.
Hotel “Cosmos Yaroslavl”, 4 stars, from 4,600 rubles per night for a double room. A modern city hotel with 167 rooms, ideal for both tourists and business travelers. Located a few steps from the station.
AZIMUT Hotel Yaroslavl, 4 stars, from 3,200 rubles per night for a double room. The hotel complex with 118 rooms is located in the city center, so it is perfect for those who come to explore the sights of Yaroslavl. The hotel has a restaurant, indoor pool and parking.
When to go
Yaroslavl is located in the central part of the East European Plain, slightly north of Moscow. The climate here is temperate continental, and the weather is quite mild, so it will be comfortable in almost any season.
Summer in Yaroslavl is warm, but without extreme heat, with rare rains, the temperature stays around +20 °C. In winter it is moderately cold, severe frosts are rare. A distinctive feature of the local climate is high air humidity, it reaches 70%. Because of this, it can be chilly in early spring and late autumn when the wind blows from the Volga, so if you want to explore Yaroslavl and its attractions on foot, dress warmly.
What to see in the city
Yaroslavl is considered the capital of Russia’s Golden Ring, one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations. This is a very beautiful and ancient city, which has seen events described in history textbooks: for example, it was here that the people’s militia of Minin and Pozharsky gathered, and the manuscript “The Tale of Igor’s Campaign” was found right there. It is interesting that for more than a thousand years of history the city has never changed its name, always remaining Yaroslavl.
The city was founded by Prince Yaroslav the Wise in 1010. If you believe the legend, the inhabitants of the pagan settlement of Medvezhy Ugol, which was located nearby, were not very happy about the prince and set a wild bear on him (according to other legends, the bear was set not by people, but by the pagan god Veles). In any case, Yaroslav hacked the beast to death with an ax and thereby won respect and the right to establish his own settlement in these places. So, on a protected area between the banks of the Volga and Kotorosl and the Medveditsky ravine, the Kremlin was built.
The historical center of the city is now included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Centuries-old buildings are perfectly preserved here – more than 600 building objects in total! — and the spirit of antiquity is in the air, which is why Yaroslavl invariably attracts thousands of tourists.
City embankment
The embankment in Yaroslavl is considered one of the most beautiful in the Volga region. It’s nice to just walk here, admiring the scenery and at the same time getting to know the city’s attractions, many of which are located nearby.
Start your walk at Strelka, where the Kotorosl River flows into the Volga: now there is a beautiful park with alleys, a monument to the 1000th anniversary of the city and a stone marking the site of the founding of the city by Yaroslav the Wise.
Next walk towards the River Station along the upper level of the embankment. Along the way you can see the Metropolitan Chambers (these simple white buildings were erected already in the 17th century), the beautiful Elias Church (we’ll talk about it separately below), the Volga Gate, several museums and churches. If you just want to take a walk without looking at the sights, walk along the lower level of the embankment: there are benches, kiosks and cafes where you can have a snack or drink coffee.
Yaroslavl Museum-Reserve
A must-see place, which is often called the Yaroslavl Kremlin. The museum is located on the territory of the former Spaso-Preobrazhensky Monastery with white stone walls and towers, truly reminiscent of a Kremlin. On the territory you can visit the Transfiguration Cathedral, built in the 16th century (this is the oldest building in the city that has survived to this day), the Tryphon Chapel and several churches (Yaroslavl Wonderworkers, Resurrection and Vvedenskaya).
And, of course, there is a museum here where you can learn about the history of the city. The exhibition includes a rich collection of ancient manuscripts and icons, as well as works of ancient Russian art. A separate exhibition tells about “The Tale of Igor’s Campaign.” We recommend taking a guided tour so you don’t miss anything interesting.
Yaroslavl Art Museum
The largest collection of icons, landscapes and portraits of classic Russian paintings is stored here – more than 80,000 exhibits in total. You can look at paintings by Bryullov, Repin, Perov, Aivazovsky, Kustodiev and other masters. In addition, paintings from the collections of the Russian Museum are regularly brought here.
The building itself also deserves attention: the museum is located in the former governor’s house, built in 1821-1823 according to the design of the architect P. Ya. Pankov. Once upon a time there was a travel palace and the official residence of Yaroslavl governors. There is a beautiful garden around, open to the public from May to October, which displays sculptures by contemporary Russian and foreign sculptors. In the summer, musical evenings and festivals are held here.
Museum of the History of the City of Yaroslavl
Another interesting museum where you can get acquainted with the more than thousand-year history of the city. Here is a collection of household items of citizens in different periods. The main concept is: “Man in the history of Yaroslavl, Yaroslavl in the history of Russia.” In the halls you can look at things that belonged to prominent local residents, weapons, and archaeological finds. In total there are more than 25 thousand different exhibits.
Multimedia Museum of a New View of History in Yaroslavl
An interesting and unusual place: it is worth visiting to see something other than a classic museum. The exhibition is built in the concept of a new chronology, in which all historical events are connected, superimposed on geography and supported by myths and descriptions of contemporaries. This amazing alternative view of history leaves no one indifferent, so reviews of the museum are very polar – we believe that this is another reason to come and see everything with your own eyes. Please note that the entire exhibition is multimedia: take an audio guide, look at the animation and enjoy modern technologies.
Temple of Elijah the Prophet
One of the most elegant churches in Yaroslavl is located in the city center and is visible from afar. It was built in the 17th century by order of the influential merchants the Skripin brothers. The five dark green onion domes of the main building and the octagonal bell tower are today one of the symbols of Yaroslavl. Look at the facades – they are all different, with platbands, kokoshniks and tiles – and then look inside, entering through one of two richly decorated entrances. The best painters and carvers of their time worked on the interior. The paintings and frescoes are perfectly preserved and delight with the brightness of the colors.
Church of John the Baptist
Another church that is simply impossible to pass by. By the way, you have seen it more than once, perhaps without realizing it: the temple is depicted on a thousand-ruble banknote.
Fifteen dark green domes are arranged in groups, and the main dome is not made in the traditional onion shape, but resembles a bowl concave on the sides. But the main beauty awaits you inside: fresco paintings from the 17th century are perfectly preserved here. There are recognizable biblical scenes on several tiers, and all the details of the temple, including benches and stairs, are covered with rich herbal ornaments.
Monument to the Bear
Bears are respected here: the bear appears in the legend about the founding of Yaroslavl and is one of the symbols of the city. The monument to the animal was erected in 2009 on Pervomaiskaya Street, not far from the embankment. You can rub the base and make a wish – they say they often come true. And once every hour the bear emits a rather frightening roar, however, not too similar to an animal one.
Museum “Music and Time”
One of the most interesting and unusual museums in the city and the entire region, which you will find on any list of must-see places on the Golden Ring. This is the first private museum in Russia: it has been operating since 1993. It was founded by John Grigorievich Mostoslavsky, an illusionist and collector of unusual antiques. He was born in the Amur region, and received an unusual name from his parents who wanted to emphasize the aristocratic roots of the child and distinguish him among his peers. Since childhood, Mostoslavsky collected bells, which later became the main part of the museum exhibition. There are also ancient musical instruments and mechanisms (gramophones, gramophones, music boxes and organs) and clocks on display. All exhibits are working, some clocks strike every hour.
What to see outside the city
The sights of Yaroslavl and the Golden Ring are inseparable concepts. In the vicinity of the city there is a huge number of interesting towns and cities. We’ll tell you about some that we consider mandatory items in your travel plan.
St. Vvedensky Tolga Convent
This active monastery is located on the left bank of the Volga, 20 minutes by car from Yaroslavl. Here guests are greeted by beautiful churches and a monastery courtyard, as well as workshops and a bakery. For a small donation you can visit a local refectory. We recommend not just walking around the territory, but booking a tour: they are conducted by the nuns of the monastery. Find contacts and current ones on the website.
Nature lovers should come here in August: once a year, on August 21, a cedar grove is opened to visitors, in which 27 two-hundred-year-old trees have been preserved.
And remember that when visiting active monasteries, a number of rules apply. Women need to bring a scarf and a long skirt; men will only be allowed into the territory in trousers. When entering, you can take scarves to cover your head, shoulders and knees. Also, mute your phones.
Vyatskoye
This village, 36 km from Yaroslavl, is included in the Association of the most beautiful villages in Russia. Half of the hundred houses are architectural monuments dating from the 18th–19th centuries. There are as many as 11 museums in Vyatskoye, which present ancient objects from different periods, from the pre-revolutionary era to Soviet times. You can look at typewriters, kitchen utensils, photographic equipment and much more. You can also take part in interesting master classes. For example, in a printing museum, you can create an engraving on cardboard or a linocut in an hour and a half. The village also pickles the famous Vyatka cucumbers.
Karabikha
In this village, which later became a museum-reserve, the poet Nikolai Nekrasov once lived. Today here you can visit a manor house with an outbuilding and a front courtyard, stroll through an orchard and several parks made in the English and French style, and admire the ponds and stream. In the summer, creative festivals are often held here.
Children will enjoy the museum: there is an exhibition “Museum of Ded Mazai” with fairy-tale characters. The village is located just 15 km from Yaroslavl, it is easily accessible by bus or minibus from the bus station.
Myshkin
The smallest city in the Yaroslavl region is located about 100 km from Yaroslavl, the journey there takes an hour and a half. Here you can briefly be transported to a provincial merchant town of the early 19th century – this is facilitated not only by the landscapes and ancient streets with wooden houses, but also by numerous non-standard museums (there are a couple of dozen of them here!). After the revolution, the city was demoted to a village, almost renamed and completely forgotten for a while – but today it has been brought back to life and delights numerous tourists.
Check out the well-preserved stone houses, visit the 18th-century Church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, photograph the majestic Assumption Cathedral – and, of course, visit the small museums. For example, the Museum of the Mouse, the exhibition “Myshkin in Old Photographs”, the interactive museum “Miller’s House” and the museum “Russian Valenki”.
Restaurants and cafes
Yaroslavl is located on the Volga, and it has long been the custom that the basis of many local dishes is fish. Be sure to try the Volga fish soup, as well as local pies – they come not only with fish, the menu also includes kulebyaki and kurnik. Some restaurants prepare pike perch according to old recipes; we recommend ordering smoked or stuffed pike perch.
In addition, the Yaroslavl region is famous for its delicious cheese; there is even a special breed of cows for cheese making – the Yaroslavl one. The traditional local variety is Poshekhonsky cheese, but you can also try original cheeses prepared according to original recipes or based on Italian, French and Dutch technologies.
A popular local drink is kvass, it even has its own Tasting Museum (located not in Yaroslavl itself, but in the city of Pereslavl-Zalessky). There you can try one of 12 types of drink brewed according to old Russian recipes, including the unusual cranberry and mint. If you don’t make it to the museum, order kvass at one of the cafes or restaurants; it’s almost always on the menu.
As for popular restaurants in Yaroslavl, the following are worth mentioning:
“Ioann Vasilievich” (Revolyutsionnaya St., 34) is one of the best places where you can try local cuisine. Here they prepare fish soup, cabbage soup, solyanka and fried pike perch. The halls are decorated based on the film “Ivan Vasilyevich Changes His Profession,” which, by the way, was filmed in the city and its surroundings.
“Meeting”(Volzhskaya embankment, 33) is not only a restaurant, but also a museum of Russian cuisine. First courses are highly respected here, so be sure to order cabbage soup, stew or fish soup. The second courses are prepared in a real Russian oven.
“Fairy Tale” (27 Svobody St.) – a restaurant with original cuisine, distinguished by an excellent wine collection.
“Mili” (Uglichskaya street, 36/44) – this establishment ranks at the top of the lists of the best restaurants in the city. Conceptual original cuisine, specializing in fish dishes.
Family cafe Anderson (Republicanskaya St., 68) – an excellent option for those traveling with the whole family. On the menu you can find both simple and understandable dishes that children love, as well as more complex options for parents. Kids will love the playroom.
What to bring
The traditional local craft is majolica. This is brightly glazed ceramics, from which tiles were made to decorate churches. Today you can buy dishes, figurines and even Christmas tree decorations made from majolica.
Another popular local souvenir is bears in various variations. It’s all about the legend, which we have already talked about above. In any souvenir store you can find wooden, metal or ceramic figurines, soft toys and T-shirts with images of these animals.
In the Yaroslavl region, in the city of Uglich, there is the legendary “Chaika” watch factory, founded in 1943. A hand or wall clock can also be an interesting souvenir.
Tasty souvenirs include Poshekhonsky cheese, kvass, local beer “Yarpivo”, chocolate “Yar” (it has a very beautiful packaging, ideal for souvenirs for friends and acquaintances) and healing balm “Old Yaroslavl”.
Conclusion
Yaroslavl is a very beautiful and interesting city, and we hope that thanks to our guide, your trip to it will be unforgettable. Therefore, save a map of Yaroslavl with attractions, buy tickets and book hotels on OneTwoTrip – and hit the road!
