Things to do in Simferopol
- Sort by:
- Popular
-
A
Kafe Marakand
Local Tatars are frequent patrons here, where the assortment of Central Asian dishes includes plov (meat and rice), manty (lamb ravioli), lagman (beef noodle soup), shashlyk (meat skewers) and lepeshshky (flat, round bread) – nothing substantial for vegetarians. There’s also an Italianate covered stone terrace.
reviewed
-
B
Martini Bar
American diner meets Scandinavian chic inside this classic cocktail bar (on pl Sovetskaya), but the local talking point is the bar’s summer patio. Newly designed each year, it was completely painted/decorated (even the floor) in Burberry’s signature yellow tartan. Pizza and beer are also offered in warm weather on the lawn terrace.
reviewed
-
C
Kebi-Djami Mosque
A young city, founded in the 18th century under Russia’s Catherine the Great, Simferopol contains no must-sees. Remnants do survive, however, of earlier civilisations on the same site. The most interesting is the restored 16th-century Kebi-Djami mosque, which dates back to the Crimean Tatar town of Ak-Mechet (White Mosque).
reviewed
-
Neopolis
There’s little sense of history about the much-touted Neopolis, 2km east of the centre. However, it offers a good view of Simferopol in all its Soviet-constructivist glory, should you be tempted by such things. Archaeological excavations of a late Scythian city (300 BC–AD 300) seem to have been abandoned.
reviewed
-
Café Putra Jaya
Enjoy a change with a medical-school canteen that caters to the numerous Indian, Malaysian and Arab students. On vul Pavlenko, pass the eye hospital, Aeroflot and the Appeal Court, turning right around that building and continuing diagonally to the next clearing. Continue through the guardhouse for Café Putra Jaya, on the left.
reviewed
-
D
Kafe Motivi
This opulently decorated and moodily lit Persian restaurant is one of Simferopol’s hip hangouts. The food, which consists mainly of stews and stir-fries, is delicious but usually takes ages to arrive. Menu prices are for 100g while most servings are 200g to 250g, so you need to do some mental arithmetic when ordering.
reviewed
-
E
Crimean Ethnographic Museum
The memorable thing about the modest Crimean Ethnographic Museum is its first room. It boasts a 3-D relief map of Crimea, populated with nearly 50 colourful small statues representing the peninsula’s different peoples throughout history.
reviewed
-
F
Piroga
Brightly coloured murals give this casual eatery the atmosphere of a world food café. The eponymous pirogi are in fact like large flat calzones, and you choose individual toppings for them as for pizza. Salads and desserts also served.
reviewed
-
G
Falstaff
The entrance to this maritime-themed pub is shaped like the bow of a sinking ship. Downstairs in the basement, it’s all wooden decks and rope decking, with beers, spirits, steak and a much-touted business lunch on offer.
reviewed
-
H
Flamingo
Older well-heeled travellers might be most satisfied with this relatively sophisticated Euro-Ukrainian restaurant, with a smattering of English on its menu (and very unsophisticated photos to help in the choosing!).
reviewed
Advertisement
-
I
Kofein
The ‘exoticism’ at this trendy African-themed café overdoes its appreciation of the female form. You’ll find it takes its coffee seriously and turns out a good brew.
reviewed
-
J
Silpo
Self-caterers should make a beeline to this conveniently located, Western-style supermarket. The grocery section is on the ground floor; the minimall is on the 1st.
reviewed
-
Prinzesa
The chicken tikka masala, Pattaya noodles, egg sambal, lassis and hummus (usually) in Arabic Prinzesa is cafeteria food, but still better than you’d get in Kyiv.
reviewed
-
K
Kiyazha Vtikha
This obligatory Ukrainian theme restaurant loves its cheesy band and cheek-to-cheek dancing, but the food is tasty.
reviewed
-
L
Extreme Team
A small but high-quality selection of last-minute camping and hiking supplies.
reviewed
-
M
