The tourism analytical agency TurStat regularly provides readers with an analysis of tourist flows - or, more simply, who goes where most often. This fall, the agency published a ranking of the most popular cities for autumn tourism among residents of the CIS countries. The summer heat, which makes cities unpleasant for long walks, subsides, and you can admire the sights in comfort.
10. Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan)
One of the most ancient cities in the post-Soviet space. It was founded back in the 7th century! So there's a lot to see there.
Even if you are not a fan of visiting museums, an ordinary walk around Bishkek can be a great pleasure. This is very beautiful city with stunning views, and 41 km away is natural Park Ala-Archa with special landscapes, glaciers and the Ak-Sai waterfall.
The capital of Kyrgyzstan is one of the cheapest cities former USSR for tourists. One day's accommodation in Bishkek will cost 32 dollars. This best city for budget tourism in autumn 2017.
9. Chisinau (Moldova)
If autumn has already firmly entered its position in Bishkek, then upon arriving in Chisinau, you can still enjoy the last glimpses of summer and wine.
One of the most famous places Chisinau - Moldavian cellars, where you can see with your own eyes how wine is made. And, of course, try it. And in Chisinau there are many beautiful places(this is one of the greenest cities in Europe), museums (including the Pushkin Museum) and restaurants.
As in Bishkek, accommodation in the capital of Moldova is inexpensive - an average of $35 per day.
8. Kyiv (Ukraine)
Mikhail Bulgakov once called Kyiv “the best city in the world.” Indeed, this is one of the most beautiful and interesting years in the post-Soviet space. Picturesque terrain, many historical and architectural monuments, museums (including the original museum of the history of the toilet) - if you want to see everything, you will have to stay here for a long time.
Accommodation in a three-star hotel in Kiev will cost, on average, $45 per day.
7. Ashgabat (Turkmenistan)
Ashgabat received city status relatively recently - in the 19th century, so there is not much ancient history in its squares. But very close by are the ruins of the ancient Central Asian city of Nisa, whose history goes back centuries, to the ancient Parthian kingdom, which existed before our era.
Accommodation at a local hotel will cost about $50 per day.
6. Tashkent (Uzbekistan)
Although the terrible earthquake of 1966 almost wiped the city off the face of the earth, the residents did not give up and rebuilt their city. So do not forget, while admiring architectural monuments, that most of them are restored.
There are many museums in Tashkent, one of the most interesting is the library of oriental manuscripts, where the famous Koran of Caliph Usman is located. This is the only original manuscript of the Qur'an that has survived to this day. And we recommend visiting the famous oriental bazaars of Tashkent, where you can find almost everything - from oriental sweets to gold products.
A day's stay in Tashkent will cost, on average, $43.
5. Almaty (Kazakhstan)
One of the most picturesque cities of the former USSR is located near a snow-covered mountain range Trans-Ili Alatau. From the top of one of its mountains, Kok-Tobe, there is a beautiful view of the capital of Kazakhstan (there is a comfortable cable car, there is an amusement park). History buffs should visit Central state museum, where the history of Kazakhstan is presented in detail in more than two thousand cultural monuments. Almaty is also famous for its fountains.
The price of accommodation in Almaty is $65 per day.
4. Yerevan (Armenia)
In fourth place in the list of the best CIS cities for travel in the fall of 2017 is a place with the richest cultural and historical heritage.
On the territory of Yerevan there are many architectural monuments, ranging from the Erebuni fortress with almost three thousand years of history, ancient rock monasteries and ending with manuscript repositories. And very close to the city, in its southwestern part, there is Lake Yerevan, which was once a favorite bathing place for the townspeople. Now they mostly prefer Lake Sevan, which is only 60 km from the city. In many restaurants you can try original dishes of Armenian cuisine, washed down with - no, not only cognac, but varieties of local wines or original vodka made from a variety of fruits, from pears to mulberries.
A night in a Yerevan hotel will cost $67.
3. Baku (Azerbaijan)
In third place in the ranking of popular tourist cities in the CIS is the capital of Azerbaijan, which successfully combines the charm of noble antiquity, oil luxury and modern amenities. Therefore, when you arrive in Baku, get ready to fork out some cash - a night in a hotel in the city will cost you an average of $78. But a visit to the city will more than repay the money; there is something to see there.
One of the most interesting objects from a tourist point of view is the whole archaeological reserve, where you can touch what has come down to us from the depths of centuries rock art. The city also has a paleontological museum, a national natural park, and many ancient architectural monuments. There are also original modern buildings, such as the Flame Towers, which were completed just five years ago.
2. Astana (Kazakhstan)
Astana became the capital quite recently - just ten years ago, but its appearance has changed dramatically during this time. Now it's beautiful modern city, with wide avenues and futuristic architecture, the symbol of which is the Baiterek Tower and the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation.
Like Baku, Astana is one of the most expensive cities for tourists. A day's stay in the capital of Kazakhstan will cost $85.
1. Minsk (Belarus)
The most popular city The CIS for travel in the fall of 2017 became the capital of Belarus. Minsk successfully combines antiquity, modernity, hospitality and some nostalgic “Sovietness”.
In the city center you can admire the ancient Trinity Suburb, visit the buildings of the former Basilian monastery, the town hall and the oldest church in the city, built in the early 17th century. Also in the city there are enough monuments of the not so distant past - buildings in the “Stalinist Empire” style. Restaurants are also worth visiting national cuisine, look at local handicrafts made of clay and flax, and also go to Botanical Garden, zoo and children's park entertainment.
You will have to spend about $70 per day for accommodation.
A guide to the most beautiful and unusual cities.
They are close, it’s beautiful there and they speak Russian: 10 best cities for tourism in the former CIS countries:
- Astana and Almaty, Kazakhstan
- Jurmala, Latvia
However, you should go to Jurmala not for a beach holiday, but rather for walks through Jomas, coastal forests and “canary sand ground into wheat.” And another half hour’s drive is Riga, where you can spend hours walking around the Old Town and eating sprats and sanctioned cheese.
- Issyk-Kul, Kyrgyzstan
The “Kyrgyz seaside” Lake Issyk-Kul is visited mainly for sanatorium purposes. But call it a retro spa and enjoy. Besides beach holiday, there are salt caves there, mineral springs and mountains.
- Bukhara, Uzbekistan
Bukhara is the capital of Central Asian shopping. There are more and more tourists every year, so visit the country before it loses its authenticity. In 4 hours you can drive to Samarkand.
- Baku, Azerbaijan
Baku was incredibly rebuilt in last years, and it is also very clean. But there is also a beautiful old town where The Diamond Arm was filmed. There are beaches with all the entertainment 20 minutes from Baku. We recommend taking a funicular ride to Nagorny Park and visiting the “Venice of Baku”.
- "Belovezhskaya Pushcha", Belarus
For lovers of forests and ecotourism, the best option is to live in a real nature reserve. Brest with its famous fortress is 1.5 hours away
- Kazbegi, Georgia
It’s divinely beautiful there, but if that’s not enough for you, you can ride horses, go mountaineering, rafting or hang gliding, and visit ancient churches. Or just drink wine and admire the views. If you get tired, Tbilisi is only 160 km away.
- Kishinev, Moldova
Another place for wine lovers. You can even take a sommelier course. And also eat hominy. If you are a connoisseur of gypsy culture, you will also like it in Moldova - there is the city of Soroca, famous for its unusual gypsies.
- Vilnius, Lithuania
Vilnius is one of the most beautiful Baltic cities. Must visit Old city and the Užupis region, where free artists live who have declared themselves a separate state. By the way, there is a secret life hack on how to get to Vilnius cheaply.
- Yerevan, Armenia
Hospitality and delicious food. In Yerevan you can climb the Grand Cascade, walk around the halls of the Parajanov Museum, go to the Geghardavan Monastery and see Ararat from observation deck Khor Virap.
The Soviet Union was a unique state: citizens, largely deprived of the opportunity to travel abroad, could visit almost all climatic zones within one country. The neat streets of Riga replaced a walk in Paris or London, those who could not even dream of the resorts of Sardinia sunbathed on the beaches of Sukhumi, and skiers who did not know about the existence of Courchevel and Aspen skied in the mountains of Georgia.
On the eve of the summer holiday season, I offer a new look at the countries of the former USSR. The most unusual holiday options in the post-Soviet republics are diving among the flooded cities in the mountains of Kyrgyzstan, hunting in the Carpathian forests and sailing under the walls medieval castle in Lithuania - in this gallery.
Estonia
Why go: for a weekend at the spa
The Baltic country has become popular destination For spa tours. The first to take a liking to it were residents of the nearby Pskov region, who came here for the weekend, followed by St. Petersburg residents and Muscovites. And this is not surprising: what is now called the fashionable word spa, namely a complex of air baths with mud therapy, massage and wraps, was in use here at the beginning of the 19th century.
Latvia
Why go: live in a knight's fortress
Many people know that in Riga, one of the most European cities USSR, filmed locations of Victorian London for the Soviet TV series “Sherlock Holmes”. However, few people know that in this country you can immerse yourself not only in the world of the British capital of the late 19th century, but also in the austere atmosphere of Gothic castles, more reminiscent of the Baskerville estate. The fact is that Latvia shares with neighboring Lithuania the glory of the region of knightly castles: they appeared here in abundance in the Middle Ages, when the Teutonic Order and the Grand Duchy of Lithuania ruled over these lands.
Lithuania
Why go: sail with a view of Trakai Castle
Lithuania is a country of beautiful nature, which Lithuanians have been able to preserve to this day. They managed to blend the buildings so harmoniously into the surrounding landscape that it seems as if these houses, castles and churches have always stood in their place. An excellent example of this is the Trakai Island Castle, 28 kilometers from Vilnius, one of the most beautiful castles in the Baltic states. It is built in picturesque place, on an island on Lake Galve, and is surrounded on all sides by water. Thanks to its favorable location, strong walls and well-thought-out fortification system, enemies never managed to capture the castle. In the past there was a residence in Trakai Lithuanian princes until the city lost its importance in the 15th century. The most spectacular view of the castle opens from the water: a boat trip will cost 70-150 rubles per person. Classic postcard views of Trakai always include the white sails of yachts on the water below its walls. Therefore, to complete the experience, it is worth going on a short cruise on a yacht around the castle.
Belarus
Why go: get nostalgic for the Soviet Union
Belarus is a country in which it has been possible to preserve in the best possible way the features of Soviet life that are close to the heart of any person who managed to live in the USSR: cleanliness, neatness, a calm rhythm of life, low level crime, lack of unemployment and low prices (especially in comparison with Moscow) for quality food products and services.
Ukraine
Why go: stay on an agrotourism farm
Nature has endowed Ukraine with a warm climate, fertile soil and vast open spaces, which created ideal conditions for agriculture. It is logical that agritourism has become one of the important areas of tourism in Ukraine: holidays in rural areas, during which guests lead a traditional lifestyle and get acquainted with local culture and customs. In addition, agritourism is distinguished by its family nature: guests often share the same table with the hotel owners and spend the whole day side by side with them.
Moldova
Why go: go to wine tour around the country
Winemaking in Moldova has ancient history: According to archaeological excavations, people made wine here 2500-3000 BC. e. It is not surprising that you should go here on “wine tours”.
Georgia
Why go: discover the country's avant-garde architecture
Georgia is ideal for traveling at any time of the year: in summer it’s great to relax on the Black Sea beaches, in winter it’s great to ski in the mountains. In spring and autumn, you can simply wander around the country, enjoying beautiful nature and local hospitality. For many, Georgia is associated with excellent cuisine and fantastic mountain landscapes, for others - with the beaches of Batumi or ski slopes Gudauri. At the same time, few people know that over the past decade, many buildings built by Western architects have appeared in the country, unique both from an aesthetic and engineering point of view. It’s amazing how conservative in spirit coexist in houses so avant-garde in form. government agencies: ministries, police stations and even the prosecutor's office.
Armenia
Why go: see some of the oldest Christian churches in the world
Armenia is one of the oldest Christian countries on the planet: the first believers appeared here already in the 1st century AD. e., and the country officially converted to the Christian faith in 301 by the decision of King Trdat III. It is believed that Armenia was the first country in the world to adopt Christianity as a state religion. Only here you can visit churches and monasteries that are over a thousand years old.
Azerbaijan
Why go: take a medicinal oil bath
The country stood at the origins of not only Russian, but also world oil production: here “black gold” was so easily accessible that it oozed out of the ground itself and collected at the bottom of shallow wells. Marco Polo wrote about oil production on the Absheron Peninsula, and its roots go back centuries. Currently, Azerbaijan is in 19th place in terms of oil and gas reserves per capita; active production of these invaluable minerals in the country continues. There are many things here that remind you of oil: from the beautiful facades of apartment buildings from the beginning of the last century that belonged to famous oil industrialists, to the avant-garde skyscraper under construction for the country's main oil company SOCAR and a resort where people are treated with baths with medicinal oil.
Kazakhstan
Why go: see the launch of a spaceship and the wrecks of ships on the dry sea
There are two sites in Kazakhstan that will be of interest to fans of industrial tourism. The first is, of course, Baikonur, the main space gate of the former USSR and now Russia and the CIS. The second is the city of Aralsk, formerly located on the shores of the Aral Sea. The water level in the sea dropped sharply due to human activity, the sea receded, and the city began to resemble a ghost: due to unemployment local residents are leaving their homes, and in the former port of Aralsk only rusty wrecks of ships remain.
Turkmenistan
Why go: immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of one of the most closed countries in the world
Turkmenistan is one of those countries that is very difficult to get to. The flow of tourists here is very small, which is due to strict migration laws: in fact, it is impossible to enter the country on your own; an invitation from local residents or authorized organizations is required, and the percentage of visa refusals is very high. In addition, if you stay in the country for more than three days, registration is required, and this is monitored very strictly here.
Uzbekistan
Why go: to try real pilaf
Uzbekistan is a country of endless cotton fields of the Fergana Valley and cities with sonorous names and a thousand-year history: Samarkand, Khiva, Bukhara. It is in Samarkand that the tomb of the legendary conqueror Tamerlane is located, by opening which, historians, according to legend, brought the horrors of the Great Patriotic War. The cities here are striking in their antiquity: not just individual buildings have been preserved since the Middle Ages, but entire streets and neighborhoods where people still live.
Kyrgyzstan
Why go: for diving on the mountain lake Issyk-Kul
Kyrgyzstan is rightfully proud of the beauty of its nature: seven-thousand-meter-high mountains coexist with the smooth surface of Lake Issyk-Kul, which is one of the 25 largest lakes in the world and one of the seven deepest. It is here that tourists should first go, because unusually clear water awaits them (they say that in purity it is second only to Baikal water) of a bright blue color and sandy beaches, from which a fantastic view of the lake opens, framed in the distance by snow-capped mountain peaks.
Tajikistan
Why go: to climb to the top of a seven-thousander
The country is home to the highest mountain of the entire former Soviet Union - Ismoil Somoni Peak, formerly known as Communism Peak. Its height is 7495 meters, which is 1400 meters lower than Everest. In total, Tajikistan has three seven-thousand-meter mountains out of five located throughout the territory of the former USSR. Those climbers who managed to conquer all five were given the official title “Conqueror highest mountains USSR", and in unofficial jargon the title "Snow Leopard" was used.
Moscow, September 21 - “News. Economy". The analytical agency TurStat has compiled a rating of popular Russian tourists CIS cities for travel in autumn 2017. 1. Minsk (Belarus)
According to TourStat, tourists visit Minsk in the fall for an average of 2.5 days and spend $70 per day on accommodation. Minsk is the capital of Belarus. There are more than 20 museums in Minsk (including departmental ones - 150). They are presented as permanent exhibitions, and periodically operating exhibitions. Minsk experienced periods of prosperity and decline; it was both the rich capital of the principality and a provincial provincial town. Wars swept through it like hurricanes, changing absolutely everything beyond recognition: from architecture to national composition residents. Today's Minsk - The largest city Belarus, which is visited annually by tens of thousands of tourists. Despite the youth of the architecture, there is something to see here. 2. Astana (Kazakhstan)
People come to Astana for an average of 2 days and spend $85 per day. Astana is the capital of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Every year the number of tourists coming to the Kazakh capital for educational and entertainment purposes is increasing. Guests from Russia are doubly comfortable here: local residents speak Russian fluently, and all tourist sites offer excursions in Russian. 3. Baku (Azerbaijan)
People come to Baku for an average of 3 days and spend $78 per day. Baku is the capital of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the largest industrial, economic and scientific-technical center of Transcaucasia, as well as the largest port on the Caspian Sea and the most Big city in the Caucasus. The city, in terms of its antiquity, size of territory and population, is one of the oldest and largest cities East. 4. Yerevan (Armenia)
People come to Yerevan for an average of 3 days and spend $67 per day. Yerevan is the capital and largest city of Armenia in terms of population and area, one of the oldest cities in the world. In recent years, favorable conditions for tourists have been created in Armenia. Many tourist infrastructure facilities have been built, many interesting tourist routes and act like locals travel companies, as well as the world giants of this industry. Armenia has enormous potential in the field of tourism, and more precisely in the fields of ecotourism, ski tourism, mountaineering, etc. 5. Almaty (Kazakhstan)
People come to Almaty for 3.5 days and spend $65 per day. Almaty is the largest city in Kazakhstan. Almaty is called "" Southern capital∎∎ Republic of Kazakhstan. Sprawling at the foot of the Trans-Ili Alatau mountains, the city attracts tourists extraordinary beauty landscapes, mild climate, pristine purity of nature and historical heritage. A variety of flora and fauna, blooming orchards, and uniqueness nature reserves make a huge contribution to the formation and development of tourism in Almaty. 6. Tashkent (Uzbekistan)
People come to Tashkent for 2 days and spend $43 per day. Tashkent is the capital and largest city of Uzbekistan, a city of republican subordination. The largest city in Uzbekistan by population and Central Asia, the center of the Tashkent urban agglomeration, the most important political, economic, cultural and scientific center of the country, as well as an aviation, railway and road junction. In Tashkent there are numerous scientific, pedagogical and cultural organizations, 12 theaters, 22 museums. The city has architectural historical monuments, for example: Sheikhantaur mausoleum (XV century) and Kaffal Shashi, Barakhan and Kukeldash madrassas (both XVI centuries). 7. Ashgabat (Turkmenistan)
People come to Ashgabat for an average of 3 days and spend $40 per day. Ashgabat is the capital of Turkmenistan, the largest administrative, political, industrial, scientific and Cultural Center states. In Ashgabat, it is worth visiting the historical and cultural reserve “Nisa”, the Turkmenbashi Rukhy mosque, the Turkmen carpet museum, the art and park complex “Alley of Inspiration”, and the fountain complex “Oguzkhan and Sons”. The city is located a large number of hotels of different categories. 8. Kyiv (Ukraine)
People come to Kyiv for an average of 2 days and spend $56 per day. Kyiv is the capital and largest city of Ukraine, the Hero City. During its history, Kyiv was the capital of the glades, Kievan Rus, the Principality of Kyiv, the Ukrainian People's Republic, Ukrainian People's Republic of Soviets, Ukrainian state, Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic, and since 1991 - independent Ukraine. Due to its meaning as historical center Rus', the city is called “the mother of Russian cities.” 9. Chisinau (Moldova)
People come to Chisinau for an average of 1 day and spend $35 per day. Chisinau is the capital and largest city of Moldova. An economic and cultural center located in the center of the country on the Byk River. The oldest buildings in Chisinau: Mazarakievskaya Church (1752), Church of Constantine and Helena (1777), Armenian Church (1803), Annunciation Church (1807-1810), Kharlambievskaya Church (1812). Every year it takes place in Chisinau international festival opera and ballet art “Maria Bieshu Invites”. The festival was first held in 1990 and its organizer is the famous Moldovan opera singer Maria Biesu. Every year, the best opera singers, ballet soloists, conductors from Russia, Ukraine, Bulgaria, Italy, France, Austria, the USA and other countries come to Chisinau to participate in this festival. 10. Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan)
People come to Bishkek for an average of 1 day and spend $32 per day. Bishkek is the capital of Kyrgyzstan and the largest city in the country. There are large hotels in Bishkek: “Zhannat”, “Hyatt”, “Ak-Keme”, “Dostuk”, “Damas”, “Sayakat”, “Issyk-Kol”, “Semetey”, “Bishkek”, “Ala-Too” ", "Eldorado", etc. The city of Bishkek is a regional center of trade, being a hub between China, Kazakhstan and Russia. The largest wholesale and retail market in Central Asia, Dordoi, the largest car market, Azamat, and a number of other markets operate in Bishkek.
