Trips and Tours to Yekaterinburg

Dominating Yekaterinburg's city centre, the massive Church on the Blood memorialises the Romanov family in a complex that also incorporates a second church, a belfry and a museum dedicated to the Tsar martyrs. Construction of the church was completed in 2003 with an altar that stands directly above the basement site where the family were executed and several icons and memorabilia from their final days. Next to the church is the more modest wooden Chapel of the Revered Martyr Princess Yelizaveta Fyodorovna built to honour Tsar Nicholas II's faithful great aunt.

The heart of Yekaterinburg is the city's most happening spot come the summer when the large expanse of parkland and concrete draws local residents outside. Bordering the city pond where the River Iset flows through a small dam, Istorichesky Skver is home to the Monument to the Founders of Yekaterinburg and a water tower - the city's oldest structure with a brick base and wooden top. The riverside promenade makes for a pleasant stroll and it's here you'll also find the Architecture and Design History Museum, which houses 18th to 19th century machinery and industrial tools.

Situated in the historical centre of the city, the green and white painted house of 18th century businessman Nikolay Sevastyanov is one of Yekaterinburg's most beautiful buildings. The three-storey property was constructed during the gold rush that took place in the Ural Mountains and the merchant house certainly demonstrates the wealth Sevastyanov once enjoyed. So grand is the building that it served as the summer residence for Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev. It's not possible to enter the building but you can certainly appreciate its exterior.

Located around 16km northeast of Yekaterinburg, this lovely monastery marks the spot where the bodies of the Romanov family were discarded after their brutal execution. Built by the Orthodox Church in a lovely forested area, the Ganina Yama (Monastery of the Holy Martyrs) has become an important pilgrimage site in Russia with seven chapels dedicated to each member of the Romanov family alongside a particular saint. Within the grounds the mine shaft where the bodies were later found is marked with a tall cross. When visiting Ganina Yama women are expected to wear a head scarf and cover their shoulders and knees.

This relaxed restaurant on one of Yekaterinburg's busiest streets is the best place in the city for authentic Georgian food. The aromas and flavours that the cuisine is famous for can all be found on the extensive menu from the mouthwatering shashlyk (Caucasian kebabs) to the tasty aubergine rolls accompanied by walnut sauce. Spread over two tiers, the dining area is decked out with weavings while traditional Georgian music plays from the speakers. There's also a good Georgian wine list.

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Stolle brings traditional Russian pies to hungry diners across Russia and further afield with a chain of restaurants in cities as varied as St Petersburg, London and New York. At the Yekaterinburg outlet you can try a range of sweet and savoury pirozhki - individual-sized baked or fried buns filled with meat, fish and vegetables or stewed fruit and cottage cheese. These pies are perfectly complemented by the tea and coffee menu, all served in a setting emulating 19th century decor.

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Located in the western district of Sortirovska in Yekaterinburg, this complex of malls and outdoor stalls is commonly referred to as the 'Chinese Market' thanks to the predominantly Asian local population. Here you'll find hundreds of vendors selling everything from sunglasses to handbags with replicas of high-end designer brands.

Yekaterinburg is served by the international airport of Koltsovo (SVX) located 16km southwest of the city. It's the largest airport in the Urals with frequent flights to Russia's larger cities including Moscow, St Petersburg, Irkutsk and Vladivostok with scheduled international destinations including Frankfurt, Istanbul and Beijing. It's roughly a 30 minute drive from Yekaterinburg to the airport.