About Irkutsk
Irkutsk, often called the "Paris of Siberia," is a vibrant city rich in culture, history, and charm. Known for its beautifully preserved wooden architecture and lively atmosphere, it serves as the main gateway to the majestic Lake Baikal.
Major Attractions in Irkutsk
130 Kvartal (Irkutsk Sloboda)
A beautifully restored historic quarter featuring 19th-century Siberian wooden houses.
130 Kvartal (Irkutsk Sloboda)
Znamensky Monastery
One of the oldest monasteries in Siberia.Burial place of famous Siberian explorers and Decembrists.
Znamensky Monastery
Epiphany Cathedral
Notable for its bright frescoes and colorful exterior combining Siberian Baroque and Russian traditional styles.
Epiphany Cathedral
Kazan Church
Stunning Orthodox church with a vivid blue-and-white façade and richly decorated interiors.
Kazan Church
Decembrists Museum (Volkonsky House & Trubetskoy House)
Preserved rooms, furniture, music salons, and personal items tell the story of this unique chapter in Russian history.
Decembrists Museum (Volkonsky House & Trubetskoy House)
Irkutsk Regional Museum of Local Lore
Fascinating collections on indigenous Buryat culture, Siberian wildlife, explorers, and the history of Irkutsk.
Irkutsk Regional Museum of Local Lore
Museum of the History of Irkutsk
Located in an old merchant house. Shows the city’s evolution from a small Cossack fort to a major Siberian hub.
Museum of the History of Irkutsk
Angara River Embankment
Popular for evening strolls, river cruises, and beautiful views of historic buildings and churches.
Angara River Embankment
Adventure and Activities in Irkutsk
Lake Baikal Outdoor Adventures
Hiking & Trekking, Winter Adventure, Ice Diving and Boat Trips are some of the major adventures around lake baikal.
Lake Baikal Outdoor Adventures
Circum-Baikal Railway Adventure
Walk old tunnels and viaducts with Baikal’s cliffs and beaches around you. Great for photographers and railway history lovers.
Circum-Baikal Railway Adventure
Wildlife Watching
Take a boat tour on Baikal to spot Baikal seals (nerpa) — the world’s only freshwater seal.
Wildlife Watching
Taltsy Open-Air Museum Activities
Near Irkutsk, this historic wooden village often hosts folk festivals with horse rides, traditional sleds in winter, archery, and local games.
Taltsy Open-Air Museum Activities
Biking & Cycling
Rent a bike in Listvyanka or Irkutsk in summer. Scenic rides along the Angara River embankment or forest roads by the lake.
Biking & Cycling
Kayaking & Canoeing
Some local operators offer kayaking tours on Baikal’s calmer bays or the Angara River. Great way to see cliffs, caves, and quiet beaches.
Kayaking & Canoeing
Fishing & Ice Fishing
In winter, experience traditional Siberian ice fishing — locals drill holes and pull fish right out of Baikal’s frozen surface.
Fishing & Ice Fishing
Most popular hotels in Irkutsk
Baikal north sea
Baikal north sea
Zvezda
Zvezda
Irkuts city centre hotel
Irkuts city centre hotel
