Irkutsk Travel Guide — Things to Do, Food & Hotels
capital city of Irkutsk Oblast, Siberia, in eastern Russia
About Irkutsk
Irkutsk was founded in 1661 as a settlement for trading gold and furs. It was connected to Europe via a road constructed in 1760. After the Decemberist Revolt of 1825, many Russian artists, officers, and nobles were sent into exile to Siberia for their part in the revolt against Tsar Nicholas I and in the late 1800s, 30% of the population of the city were exiles. Irkutsk became the major centre of intellectual and social life for these exiles, and much of the city's cultural heritage is a result of these exiles. Many of their wooden houses, adorned with ornate, hand-carved decorations, survive today in stark contrast with the surrounding Soviet apartment blocks. Around 1900, the city was nicknamed the "ParisofSiberia" due to its wide streets and ornate, continental architecture, but travel
Top Attractions in Irkutsk
Explore the best things to see and do in Irkutsk:
- ★Angara embankment
- ★Antipina Estate
- ★Atafonova Estate
- ★Babr Sculpture
- ★Basnina Estate
- ★Belyaeva Estate
- ★Central park in winter
- ★Church of the Assumption
Where to Eat in Irkutsk
Must-try local food and restaurants:
- 🍴Figaro
- 🍴Kochevnik
- 🍴Seul
Where to Stay in Irkutsk
- 🏨52°17' Travelcenter & Hostel
- 🏨Angara Hotel
- 🏨Baikal Hostel
- 🏨Courtyard by Marriott Irkutsk
- 🏨Magic Hostel
- 🏨Nerpa Backpackers Hostel
Irkutsk Travel Guide Sections
Our comprehensive guide covers 12 sections including: