Things To Do
in Arkhangelsk
Arkhangelsk is a historic port city on the Northern Dvina River near the White Sea, long associated with Pomor maritime culture and Arctic trade. Its cityscape mixes Soviet-era blocks, wooden merchant houses, and a revitalized riverfront with museums and monuments to northern exploration. The surrounding Arkhangelsk Oblast offers wild taiga, islands (including the Solovetsky archipelago) and traditional wooden architecture preserved in open‑air museums.
Winters are long and snowy while summers are short and bright, making the city a gateway for nature and Arctic-adjacent experiences.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day with a visit to the impressive Arkhangelsk Museum of Local Lore, where you can immerse yourself in the rich history of the region. Stroll along the picturesque streets lined with charming wooden houses, and take in the unique architecture that reflects Arkhangelsk's maritime heritage. Don't forget to stop by the local bakery to sample traditional pastries like 'potato pie' for a true taste of the area.
After a delicious lunch at a local café, head to the Solombala Shipyard, one of the oldest in Russia, to learn about the shipbuilding history that shaped the city. Enjoy a leisurely walk along the Northern Dvina River, where you can admire the waterfront views and perhaps catch sight of local fishermen. As the afternoon winds down, visit the stunning Transfiguration Cathedral, renowned for its intricate iconostasis and beautiful frescoes.
As dusk falls, find a cozy spot at a riverside restaurant where you can savor fresh seafood while enjoying views of the shimmering river. Engage with locals and fellow travelers, sharing stories about your discoveries of Arkhangelsk. End your evening with a peaceful stroll through the city park, taking in the serene atmosphere as the sun sets.
Start your day with an invigorating hike in the nearby Pinezhsky Nature Reserve, where you can witness the breathtaking beauty of the Arctic landscape. The fresh air and sounds of nature will rejuvenate you as you explore the diverse flora and fauna. Be sure to pack a picnic breakfast to enjoy amidst the serene surroundings.
Continue your adventure by visiting the nature reserve's visitor center, where you can learn about the unique ecosystems of the region. Spend the afternoon kayaking on the crystal-clear waters of the Dvina River, navigating through gentle currents and enjoying the tranquility. Keep an eye out for local wildlife, including various bird species and perhaps even a curious moose.
As evening approaches, return to Arkhangelsk and indulge in a hearty dinner at a traditional Russian restaurant, where you can sample local dishes like borscht and pelmeni. Enjoy live folk music that captures the spirit of the Arctic North, enhancing your dining experience. Conclude your day by reflecting on the natural wonders you've encountered, perhaps with a nightcap at a local bar.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $8-15 |
| ☕Coffee (regular) | $2-4 |
| 🍽️Dinner for two at mid-range restaurant | $30-60 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride (within city) | $3-10 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel per night | $40-100 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich maritime and Pomor cultural heritage with unique wooden architecture.
- Gateway to Solovetsky Islands and northern nature — strong opportunities for photography and outdoor adventure.
- Distinct northern atmosphere with dramatic seasonal contrasts and river scenery.
- Remote location with limited direct international transport options; some attractions require long transfers.
- Short summer season and long, cold winters which can restrict some activities.
- Fewer English speakers and limited tourist infrastructure compared with major Russian cities.
- "Здравствуйте (Zdravstvuyte)" - Hello (formal)
- "Привет (Privet)" - Hi (informal)
- "Спасибо (Spasibo)" - Thank you
- "Пожалуйста (Pozhaluysta)" - Please / You’re welcome
- "Сколько стоит? (Skol'ko stoit?)" - How much does it cost?
- "Где туалет? (Gde tualet?)" - Where is the restroom?
- "Вы говорите по-английски? (Vy govorite po-angliyski?)" - Do you speak English?
- "Мне нужна помощь (Mne nuzhna pomoshch')" - I need help
Places to Visit in Arkhangelsk
Visit one of these nice places.
Wide river views, shipping activity, old warehouses and industrial backdrops create dramatic morning and evening light photography opportunities.
Cluster of wooden churches, peasant houses and historic buildings set in a rural landscape ideal for capturing traditional northern architecture.
UNESCO heritage site with monastic architecture, rugged coastlines and haunting landscapes — highly photogenic but requires a boat or flight to reach.
Historic villages and river bends offer rustic scenes of Pomor life, wooden houses and old cemeteries with carved crosses.
Snow-clad streets, ice floes and low winter light produce moody, atmospheric images; bring warm batteries and protective gear for equipment.
Food in Arkhangelsk
Arkhangelsk Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Fresh and preserved fish are staples — try salted herring, baked salmon or local whitefish in restaurants along the embankment and in seafood stalls.
Must-Try!
A clear, bracing fish soup often made from local catch; available in traditional eateries and at market stalls.
Small baked or fried pastries and thin pancakes served with various fillings (mushroom, meat, fish or sweet) — common in bakeries and cafés.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Typical place to find local fish, smoked seafood, berries, mushrooms and preserved products; ideal for sampling snacks and buying ingredients.
Seasonal stalls on the embankment sell quick snacks like fried fish, pirozhki and local drinks during summer festivals.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A firm handshake and direct eye contact are typical when meeting. Use polite forms (Mr/Ms and last name) or patronymics in formal situations; young people often use first names.
Hosts may ask guests to remove shoes upon entering a home — carrying indoor slippers is appreciated.
Keep noise moderate on public transport and in residential areas; Russians can be reserved initially but are warm once you engage.
Respect monuments, memorials and WWII sites — these are important and treated with solemnity.
Safety
Tipping in Arkhangelsk
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not always mandatory: 5–10% in restaurants is common if service is good; small tips for taxi drivers and porters are routine. In cafés and for small purchases rounding up is normal.
Cards (Visa, MasterCard) are widely accepted in shops and larger restaurants; cash (Russian rubles) remains useful for markets, small vendors and some taxis. ATMs are available in the city center but carry some local cash, especially outside core areas.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Late spring can be muddy and thawing with unpredictable weather; river ice breakup is dramatic but travel may be disrupted. Days lengthen and early wildflowers appear by May.
Short, cool summers bring long daylight hours and the best weather for boat trips, hiking and outdoor museums. Expect temperatures typically between 10–20°C (50–68°F) and occasional rain.
Autumn brings colorful taiga foliage and cooling temperatures; by late autumn the first snows arrive and daylight shortens rapidly. Some services (ferries) may reduce frequency outside summer.
Long, cold winters (often below −10°C/14°F, colder on extremes) with heavy snow and frozen rivers; excellent for winter sports and northern winter atmospheres but dress very warmly and allow extra travel time.
Arkhangelsk at Night
Hiking in Arkhangelsk
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Short walking routes around the open-air museum that pass wooden architecture, river views and small forested areas — excellent for easy hikes and photo walks.
Local forest tracks and riverside paths suitable for day hikes, berry and mushroom foraging; hire a guide for deeper wilderness routes.
Longer coastal and island trails on the Solovetsky archipelago combine historic sites and wild landscapes — best accessed in summer with proper planning.
Gentle rural trails near historic villages with views of meandering river sections, old wooden architecture and pastoral scenery.
Airports
How to reach Arkhangelsk by plane.
Main Arkhangelsk airport about 15–20 km north of the city center with regular domestic flights to Moscow and regional destinations; ground transfer by taxi or bus.
Small airfield/helipad used for regional flights and general aviation; services are limited and seasonal.
Small island airport serving flights to/from Arkhangelsk in summer; useful for reaching the Solovetsky archipelago when available.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority population, forming the cultural and social backbone of the city and region.
Local coastal communities with distinct Pomor heritage, maritime traditions and dialectal traits; visible in local culture and museums.
Smaller communities of Ukrainians, Belarusians and other groups are present, reflecting regional migration patterns.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A leading winter sport with local amateur and youth clubs; skating rinks and community teams are active.
Played at amateur and youth levels; local clubs and school competitions are common.
Durable winter season makes cross-country skiing, snowmobiling and related sports popular recreational activities.
Traditional northern team sports like bandy have local followings and history in the region.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Arkhangelsk.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist (salads, potatoes, mushroom dishes, blini and pirozhki) but may be limited; larger cafés and newer restaurants in the city center are likelier to offer clear vegetarian dishes.
Vegan choices can be sparse outside specialty cafés — plan ahead, carry snacks, and ask staff about broths and butter/fish-based ingredients (many soups contain fish).
Gluten-free options are less common; bakeries focus on wheat products. Communicate needs clearly and consider bringing staples if you require strict avoidance.