Things to do & places to visit in Southern District, Russia

Russia’s warmest region, South Russia covers a large area roughly bordered by the steppes in the north, the Caucasus Mountains in the south, Ukraine and the Black Sea in the west, and Kazakhstan and the Caspian Sea in the east. Long the blend of many cultures, the region is home to many interesting cities (like Volgograd, Derbent, Rostov-On-Don and Elista), several resort towns (like Sochi and Krasnaya Polyana), gorgeous outdoor areas (like Teberdinsky Nature Reserve), and a few national parks.

Southern District #4 destination in Russia 2023. The average rating score is 4.54 based on 50.4k traveler reviews, of 228 attractions. Timezone: Europe/Moscow, current date and time: Sunday, May 05, 2024, 20:50.

Top things to do (32)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 The Motherland Calls Sculpture (1.361 reviews)
- Symbol of the city that changed the course of WWII in Europe
Sunday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Monuments & Statues

Like this monumental sculpture or not, it is a true impressive symbol of Volgograd (former Stalingrad). Set on top of Mamayev Kurgan hill it's visible from far away. Statue is so huge you realize that only when you approach it. People look like ants beneath it (see the pics). It's very impressive showing the bitterness against the Nazi invaders and determination to fight them at the same time. The statue depicts one of the most important battles in WWII in Europe that changed the course of it on our continent. There are many other things to do here, which I'll explain in the Mamayev Kurgan review. See more..
5.0 Mamayev Kurgan (992 reviews)
- Do Not Miss "Mother Russia" -
Sunday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Monuments & Statues

These momuments marks the area where the Soviet army defeated Hitler's army on the eastern front during World War II. See more..
5.0 Iceberg Skating Palace (596 reviews)
- Fine arena
Sunday: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM Sports Complexes • Arenas & Stadiums

Visited lately for Averbukh concert! Great place for the ice shows! Saw a lot of Olympic champions on ice with the great light show! See more..
5.0 State Historical and Memorial Preserve The Battle of Stalingrad (532 reviews)
- The best museum in Volgograd
Sunday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Military Museums • History Museums

This museum is set just by the ruined mill and the entrance is beneath it, from the Volga river promenade. The museum layout is fantastic - spread over some 10 rooms clockwise depicting the WWII chronologically with an accent on the famous Stalingrad battle. Apart many weapons, uniforms and personal items displayed, most interesting I found somewhere around the middle (room 5 or 6) a huge digitalized map with amazing computer animation about the battle. At the top floor is a huge 360' diorama about the battle. Entry fee is symbolic - few Euros. See more..
5.0 Monument to Catherine the Great (405 reviews)
- Monument to Empress Catherine II
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Monuments & Statues

Quite an impressive monument which is so meaningful to locals and the city itself. Deed of gift covered by leaf-gold looks attractive! See more..
5.0 The Eternal Flame (369 reviews)
- Very moving, solemn and beautiful memorial
Points of Interest & Landmarks

The Eternal Flame memorial is housed just beneath the imposing Motherland Calls statue in Mamayev Kurgan memorial park. It's a Pantheon like building with an open roof center, and spiral path leading down to a huge hand holding a torch. On the walls are many plaques with those who gave their lives inscribed. On every hour there's a guard change which is an impressive ceremony to watch. See more..
5.0 The Ruins of the Mill Named after Grudinin// Gergardt (367 reviews)
- The Gerhardt mill is the only surviving dilapidated building in the city
Sunday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites

The steam powered mill was built in 1903. It was equiped with electrical generator and boiler station. There was a railway from the mill to the hithe, that was demounted after the war. The owner of the mill was Aleksander Gergardt, an ethnic German. His name is inscripted on the wall. In the 1930-s the mill was named after Grudinin, in honour of the lathe operator K. Grudinin who was killed because of his communistic activity. During the Stalingrad battle the observation point of I. P. Elin, the commander of the 42nd regiment of the 13th Rifle Division, was situated here. The mill, the house of Pavlov and the house of Zabolotniy were the main defensive posts in the centre of Stalingrad. The ruined mill is an evidence of the violent fighting and the last-ditch heroism of the Stalingrad defenders. The ruins of the mill is a historical and cultural monument of the federal significance. The total area is 989,3 square metres. See more..
5.0 Buddha Shakyamuni Golden Abode (347 reviews)
- Amazing
Points of Interest & Landmarks

This is really huge and beautiful building. There are three floors available for the tourists: temple, the balcony around the temple and museum in the ground floor. See more..
5.0 Stadium FC Krasnodar (333 reviews)
- Stunning
Arenas & Stadiums

Awesome and well maintained, great design and really- designed for your convenience. It’s a real pearl of Krasnodar See more..
5.0 Volgograd Sputnik Travel Company - Tours in Volgograd (300 reviews)
- Great day in Volgograd
Sunday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM City Tours • Multi-day Tours • Cultural Tours • Historical & Heritage Tours • Private Tours

I had only about 5 hours in Volgograd and Mikhail organized a day tour that allowed me to see quite a lot. He is a knowledgeable and enthusiastic guide and provided comfortable transportation for the tour. I learned a lot about the Battle of Stalingrad and saw many places of significance in one of the bloodiest battles of WW2. The city tour and trip to Mamayev Kurgan to see The Motherland Calls (Rodina Mat zovyot) were amazing and, once again, Mikhail insured I saw the changing of the guards and explained the many graves located throughout the complex. When I am back in Volgograd, I'll definitely call upon Volgograd Sputnik Travel for another tour. See more..
5.0 Galitskogo Park (234 reviews)
- Замы озранники. Beware!
Sunday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent 2-3 hours Parks

Пересмотреть отношение к посетителям - и не нанимать в охрану урок из подворотни. Beware - you are at danger already at the entrance. And guess who can attack you - security representatives! See more..
5.0 Park Loga (210 reviews)
- Воскресенье в Парке Лога
Sunday: 8:00 AM - 12:00 AM Spent More than 3 hours Parks

Вместе с родственниками посетили этот парк 20 августа. Мы планировали провести здесь большую часть дня, а потом съездить в Эльдорадо искупаться, тут недалеко. Родственники приехали раньше, чтобы занять мангал со столом. Посещение парка совершенно бесплатно, а также использование мангала и стола. С утра парк уже был убран, газонная трава и кустарники политы. О парке много написано отзывов, повторять не хочется. Сюда нужно просто приехать и порадоваться красотой. Спасибо тем, кто это придумал, профинансировал, исполнил и поддерживает в таком состоянии. Создателя парка "Лога" зовут Сергей Кушнаренко, - спасибо ему большое. Парк развивается, строится, расширяется, думаю, в очередной приезд можно увидеть что-то новое. Мы все получили огромное удовольствие и много впечатлений от прогулки по парку. Посмотрите фото и вы тоже захотите увидеть этот чудесный парк. See more..
4.5 Rosa Khutor Ski Resort (5.088 reviews)
- Very good ski resort
Sunday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent More than 3 hours Ski & Snowboard Areas

Today, Rosa Khutor is a year-round world-class mountain resort It boasts a location very close to the slopes, advanced technology, amazing ski slopes designed by the globe’s leading experts, and the highest service and safety standards. Rosa Khutor is a prestigious resort that is nonetheless open to all. It is easily accessible via various transport options and offers a wide variety of activities for guests of different ages and families with children. See more..
4.5 Olimpiyskiy Park (3.039 reviews)
- A Nice water show.
Sunday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Parks

A Nice water show, but it startet 1,5 hours later than we where told. So then we had time for dinner at an Italian restaurant with tasty pasta near by! The show started at 2130 o'clock and went on for 30 minutes. It was a lot of people and no one was wearing mask See more..
4.5 Arboretum Park (2.952 reviews)
- Nice botanical garden
Sunday: 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Gardens

The largest subtropical park in Russia contains more than 30 acres of stunning natural beauty. See more..
4.5 Sochi Park (2.949 reviews)
- Miracle Park - Sochi Park
Sunday: 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Amusement & Theme Parks

The unique object "Theme Park" is located at Olympic Park territory close to the main sport objects. Everybody can find a liking leisure: pedestrian promenade with retail area, exciting attractions and theme 4 stars Hotel, shows and adventure. Amusement Park is a world level year round entertainment center, it concept is based on Russian folklore, traditions and achievements in different field of studies. The Amusement Park consists from 6 theme lands with stylized architecture and world level attractions. See more..
4.5 Krasnaya Polyana Mountain Cluster (1.406 reviews)
- Krasnaya Polyana means A Red Glade
Ski & Snowboard Areas • Cross-country Ski Areas

This popular state reserve offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the magnificent West Caucasus mountains. See more..
4.5 Gelendzhik Embankment (1.348 reviews)
- Downright Perfect for a Stroll or a Bicycle Ride
Sunday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Scenic Walking Areas

Perfect embankment with great views of the bay. Very clean and well maintained. One of the longest embankments in Europe, which is great for walking and cycling too. Lots of attractions and lovely cafes on the way. Great place to chill and definitely one of the most significant landmarks of the Southern Russia. See more..
4.5 The Observation Tower on Akhun Mountain (1.202 reviews)
- Nice view to Sochi
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Observation Decks & Towers

If you want to see the whole BIG Sochi it is the place to go. Beautiful panoraame. But you wont stay there long as it is rather windy there. See more..
4.5 Safari Park (1.171 reviews)
- One of the Best Zoos in the World Most Likely
Sunday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Amusement & Theme Parks

Excellent zoo, probably one of the best I have ever been too. Meticulously well maintained, huge territory. Animals are treated very well and are living in conditions, which maximally imitate their natural habitats. Lots of interesting species, nice premises to walk around coupled with great views of the city and the bay. See more..
4.5 Red Street (958 reviews)
- Fabulous stay
Points of Interest & Landmarks

This was our first ever visit to Russia. What a glorious surprise it was. Red Street was wonderful for the gardens, the fountains, the sculptures and just to walk. Very clean, no litter, no grafitti and we felt totally safe. See more..
4.5 Gazprom Mountain-Tourist Centre (913 reviews)
- It's huge
Ski & Snowboard Areas

Its summer time but almost all the cable cabin lines working. Its a place which you can't miss for ski. A lot of different type of levels for ski See more..
4.5 Southern Cultures Park (802 reviews)
- it was a wonderful place.
Sunday: 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM Parks

It was very nice place and,it was very clean.the weather was very nice here.if i have a chance i will go back to visit here again. See more..
4.5 Rostov-on-Don Embankment (791 reviews)
- Great Walk
Parks

Best place to spend time in Rostov You can take easily a 2 hours walk There are many restaurants and bars in the place, views are always nice Must visit See more..
4.5 Astrakhan Kremlin (771 reviews)
- Beautiful!
Sunday: 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Speciality Museums • Architectural Buildings

The ancient Astrakhan Kremlin complex (1582-1589) is not very large but very nice and cozy! We've been there at the end of the day and the Cathedral is absolutely gorgeous in the evening gleams of sun! The Cathedral outside walls and domes look just great! But interiors are just recently renovated and I didn't determine any of ancient icons - all new. Except major Uspenskiy cathedral there is a very lovely Troitskiy temple. There are couple of souvenire shops next to the entrance. Also quite detailed Kremlin map is in place (see pictures)). Also there are four excibition halls in the tower and at the gates. Kremlin open hours daily 06:00 - 22:00, Monday is day off. If you're in Astrakhan - it's a must-see attraction. Visit it and you enjoy it! See more..
4.5 Fisht Olympic Stadium (692 reviews)
- Soccer World Cup German vs Sweden
Sports Complexes • Arenas & Stadiums

Had a fantastic weekend in Sochi watching the world cup soccer game of Germany vs Sweden. The stadium is first class within great hotels nearby See more..
4.5 Cultural Center The Stariy Park (663 reviews)
- Beautiful place to see the amazing views and to make a lot of great photos with a small efforts!
Sunday: 9:00 AM - 10:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Parks

Amazing things always surround you; you just have to see it! After visiting our cultural center "The Stariy Park" you will easily see that our world is amazing, beautiful, harmonious and you will try to speak in the language of culture. There are many definitions of the concept "culture". One of them is carved over the entrance to the park: "Culture is knowledge and respect." And indeed, you cannot respect what you do not know! And here, in Stariy park in the village of Kabardinka, on the Black Sea shore, each of you can truly discover this wonderful world in which we are all living ... See more..
4.5 Khostinsky Tisosamshitovaya Grove (638 reviews)
- Beautiful
Sunday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent < 1 hour National Parks

Beautiful and magical! Make sure to bring your hiking boots! The grove is a great example of the mix of continental and subtropical line mixing together. Haven't seen anything like this anywhere else in the world. Make sure you go! See more..
4.5 Abrau-Durso Winery (588 reviews)
- Interesting Wine Production Facility
Sunday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Wineries & Vineyards

Definitely an interesting wine production facility with not so long, but rich history. This place has great significance in the history of Russian winemaking. It is very pleasant to see that the place is being upgraded and well kept. Enjoyed thoroughly the tour, which was conducted by a very professional guide. See more..
4.5 Pushkin Street (Pushkinskaya Ulitsa) (588 reviews)
- A beautiful Sunday afternoon stroll (and history lesson)
Points of Interest & Landmarks

Something every visitor to Rostov must do, I feel, is take a stroll on Pushkin Street. The tree lined, pedestrianised street is very long and runs parallel to the main street, Bolshaya Sadovaya Ulitsa. The best time to visit is on a Sunday when children are out riding their bikes and mothers are pushing prams and the atmosphere is very relaxed. Bring your camera so you can pose in front of the many monuments along the way, many of which tell the story of the famous poet's life. I had the pleasure of my own personal tour guide (a friend of mine) who took the time to educate me about Pushkin and Russian liturature along the way. There are places to stop for some refreshing local Baltika beer or an ice cream along the way if you get tired. If you're not feeling literary enough, there are several book stores located on this street too (Dom Knigi). See more..