Things To Do
in Belgorod

A beetroot-based soup served hot or cold with sour cream; common in home-style restaurants and cafes across the city.

Must-Try!

A tangy, meaty soup made with pickles, olives and smoked meats — often found on menus at family eateries.

Dumplings filled with potato, cheese, or meat; pelmeni (meat-filled) are widely available in cafes and casual restaurants.

Local dairy-based sweets and curd cheese dishes common in markets and small pastry shops.

Fresh produce, dairy, cured meats and baked goods from regional farms — a good place to sample local cheeses, honey and seasonal fruit.

Scattered near transport hubs and parks offering pirozhki (filled buns), blini (pancakes) and simple grilled meats or shawarma-style wraps.

A firm handshake and direct eye contact are typical when meeting; use formal forms of address (Mr/Ms or full name plus patronymic) in formal contexts. A simple 'Здравствуйте' (Zdravstvuyte) is an appropriate greeting.

Hosts are warm and may offer food or tea; it’s polite to accept small offerings and to bring a small gift if invited to someone's home (flowers or sweets). Remove shoes when entering private homes unless told otherwise.

Keep voice levels moderate in public spaces and be respectful at memorials and religious sites. Avoid political debates about recent regional tensions—stay neutral and respectful.

Dress neatly for city outings, especially for visits to churches or cultural institutions; casual wear is fine for parks and outdoor activities.

Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. In restaurants a 5–10% tip is common for good service; rounding up small bills in cafes or leaving loose change is normal. Taxi drivers often expect rounding up or a small tip; for hotel porters and guides leave a modest amount for good service.

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, larger restaurants and shops; carry cash (rubles) for markets, small cafes and rural areas. Contactless payments via phone and cards are increasingly common. ATMs are available in the city center; notify your bank before travel to avoid card blocks.

Warm to hot days (June–August) with long daylight hours; good for outdoor walking, river activities, and visiting nature reserves. Expect occasional thunderstorms; bring sun protection and light layers for cooler mornings or evenings.

Crisp, cool weather with colorful foliage (September–November); pleasant for hiking and photography but increasing rain and shorter days—pack a waterproof jacket and warmer layers.

Cold and snowy from December to February with sub-zero temperatures; central heating is reliable, but dress in warm layers, thermal wear, and a good coat for outdoor sightseeing. Some outdoor sites may be less accessible, but winter landscapes can be picturesque.

Variable weather (March–May) with thawing, muddy conditions and blooming flora later in spring—bring waterproof footwear and layers; by late spring the countryside becomes very green and pleasant.

Protected steppe and forest paths offering short to moderate hikes with opportunities to see regional flora and birds; best in late spring to early autumn.

Riverside walks and trails suitable for easy hikes, fishing spots and landscape photography; accessible from city outskirts.

Open steppe trails near rural villages for panoramic views, wildflowers in season and quiet walking away from roads.

Wide open grounds and paths around the memorial complex, combining historical interpretation with flat walking routes and vistas.

Majority population, forming the cultural and social core of the city.

Smaller communities of Ukrainians and other ethnic groups contribute to regional diversity, especially given proximity to the border.

A visible group in the city due to local universities and vocational institutions, active in cultural life and cafes.

People from surrounding villages and the agricultural region who commute for work or business in the city.

Vegetarian options are available but more limited than in large international cities; order salads, potato or cheese dumplings, soups (ask if meat broth is used) and side dishes; big cafes and bistros usually have at least a couple of vegetarian choices.

Vegan dining requires care—many traditional dishes use dairy or eggs. Look for vegetable-focused restaurants in the city center, emphasize no butter/cream in soups, and rely on salads, grilled vegetables and simple grain dishes.

Halal-specific restaurants are not widespread; some meat options may be from conventional suppliers. If halal is required, seek recommendations in advance or opt for fish, vegetable or dairy-based meals and ask staff about sourcing.

Gluten-free options are possible but not guaranteed—avoid breads and dumplings, choose grilled meats, salads and vegetable sides, and confirm ingredients with staff when necessary.