Khakassia Republic & Southern Krasnoyarsk TerritoryThings to do

Things to do in Khakassia Republic & Southern Krasnoyarsk Territory

  1. Spasko-Preobrazhenskoy Cathedral

    A cluster of sparkling gilt onion domes makes the Spasko-Preobrazhenskoy Cathedral rather impressive despite the off-white concrete walls and its odd position amid the high-rise apartments of Mikro-Rayon 4. The interior boasts a striking iconostasis and astonishing acoustics. It’s 2km northwest of the city centre; get there from ul Shchetinkina by bus 11, return by bus 10.

    reviewed

  2. A

    Kafe Abakan

    Prancing petroglyphs and traditional Khakass motifs welcome you to Abakan’s newest self-service cafeteria and best cheap eat. Appetising sweet-and-sour chicken meatballs, plov (meat and rice), steaks, sausages and many other Russian favourites mean packed tables inside and out at mealtimes. The Russian-only menu is posted at the entrance, so you can decipher at your leisure.

    reviewed

  3. B

    Kafe Napoleon

    The city centre’s swankiest restaurant has cork walls, gold-and-magenta colour scheme and a portrait of Old Boney ignoring a startled turkey. There’s live music almost every evening but this triggers a hefty cover charge of R150. The menu comprises Russian and international staples.

    reviewed

  4. Martyanov Museum

    The excellent Martyanov Museum is over a century old, its highlights include splendid archaeological and cultural exhibits, and the preserved little library in which Lenin occasionally studied while genteelly exiled at Shushenskoe. The museum’s gift shop sells town maps.

    reviewed

  5. C

    Khakassia Museum

    A forest of ancient totem stones lining the street outside is about the only exhibit you’re likely to see at the Khakassia Museum. Nevertheless, it’s worth looking in here as the foyer boasts a superb gift shop, and one hall still hosts temporary exhibitions.

    reviewed

  6. D

    Pizza Iceberg

    Join Abakan’s youth in this modern pizza place for some fast food eaten to a techno beat. The R50 grilled chicken and R40 salads are better than the microwaved pizza, and a chemical coffee in melting plastic cup is just R10.

    reviewed

  7. E

    Railway Museum

    The Railway Museum might inspire train buffs with its exhibits of engineers’ uniforms through the ages, 22 types of historical rail couplings and a model of Abakan station in 1925.

    reviewed

  8. Decembrist Museum

    Earlier exiles are the theme of the small but interesting Decembrist Museum in a hard-to-find location one block west from the church and three blocks along ul Oborony.

    reviewed

  9. F

    VSK Bistro

    Cheap but tidy cafeteria serving stodgy belly-fillers such as bliny (R20 to R40), pizza (R40) and Russian cakes, all consumed under the rising skirt of Marilyn Monroe.

    reviewed

  10. G

    Taverna Kakadu

    Small, dimly lit bar-restaurant with pirate-themed interior. There’s good Russian food but the place overheats even in winter. Cover charge R100 from 8pm.

    reviewed

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  12. Museum

    The complex of wooden buildings where Lenin often met up with fellow banished comrades (1897–1900) is now a small museum.

    reviewed

  13. Yenisey Supermarket

    For picnic supplies head for the surprisingly bright Yenisey supermarket hidden behind the Vilner Palace.

    reviewed

  14. H

    Stolichny Supermarket

    For picnickers and self-caterers the Stolichny supermarket is the best-stocked grocery in the city centre.

    reviewed

  15. Stary Gorod

    strong>Stary Gorod is good for knocking back some locally brewed beer but is inexplicably closed most of the weekend.

    reviewed

  16. Drama Theatre

    The 1882 Drama Theatre is hidden behind an old factory one block northwest of the cathedral.

    reviewed

  17. I

    Totem Stone

    Passing curiosities include a latter-day totem stone resembling a huge tattooed forefinger.

    reviewed

  18. St Konstantin Church

    The St Konstantin Church has brightly painted facades but disappointingly plain interior.

    reviewed

  19. J

    Central Market

    Many cheap cafés and food kiosks ring the central market across from the bus station.

    reviewed

  20. Saviour’s Cathedral

    Jump off buses 120 or 10 for the elegant 1803 Saviour’s Cathedral.

    reviewed

  21. Vesna

    Vesna has more choice and a central location just off pl Lenina,

    reviewed

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  23. Vilner Palace

    The gutted Vilner Palace has maudlin echoes of former grandeur.

    reviewed

  24. Kafe Sibir

    Kafe Sibir is unlovely but cheap. Enter from ul Kravchenko.

    reviewed

  25. K

    Lenin statue

    Passing curiosities include a cross-legged Lenin statue.

    reviewed

  26. L

    Coffee House

    Stone and dark-wood interiors. Twelve types of real but pricey coffee.

    reviewed

  27. M

    Fire Station

    Passing curiosities include an old spired fire station.

    reviewed