Yoshkar-Ola Travel Guide: A City of Contrasts

A City with a Mixed Bag: Destruction, Chaos, and Stunning Beauty

summarizeEditor's Summary

I recently visited Yoshkar-Ola, a city in Russia that's full of surprises. From its stunning beauty to its chaotic streets, Yoshkar-Ola is a city that will keep you on your toes. With its unique architecture and picturesque riverfront, it's a must-see destination for any traveler. But be prepared for some cultural shock, as the contrast between the city's well-maintained center and its rundown neighborhoods is stark. Yoshkar-Ola has a lot to offer, but it's not for the faint of heart. The city's rich history and cultural heritage are evident in its architecture, with a mix of old and new buildings that will fascinate you. The local food is delicious, with plenty of options for vegetarians and meat-lovers alike. But don't expect a seamless experience - the city's lack of tourist infrastructure can make it difficult to find information and amenities. Overall, Yoshkar-Ola is a city that's definitely worth visiting, but it's essential to be prepared for the unexpected.

settingsSpecifications

Kararİyi

Kültür9/10

Ulaşım7/10

Güzellik8/10

A City with a Mixed Bag: Destruction, Chaos, and Stunning Beauty

Hello everyone!

I'm back with another travel review, this time about my spontaneous trip to Yoshkar-Ola. We decided to visit two regions in Russia over a long weekend, and Yoshkar-Ola was one of them. So, let's get started!

We first flew into Cheboksary to visit the city, and then we decided to take a bus to Yoshkar-Ola. I have to say, it was a bit of a trek... we took a crowded marshrutka for over an hour for 550 rubles. The buses run pretty frequently, but there are two different bus stations: the old one and the new one. Unfortunately, we ended up at the old station, so I'd recommend taking the bus to the new station instead.

Now, let's talk about our route.

When we arrived at the old bus station... let's just say it wasn't exactly what I was expecting. It looked like a small town, not a regional center at all. There were old, abandoned buildings everywhere, and the streets were dirty and unpaved. We got dropped off in a weird spot, and I thought we had to chase after the bus to get back on!

But we gathered our courage and grabbed some food at the nearby Pyaterochka, and then we set off to explore Yoshkar-Ola. Luckily, the further we got from the bus station, the nicer the scenery became.

Our route took us through Soviet Street and Gagarin Prospect, so the first thing we saw was the Yuibileiny Square with the "In Space" fountain.

We eventually made our way to the tourist hotspots, and the first thing that caught our attention was the crowd gathered on Obolensky-Nogotkov Square. It made sense, given that it was getting close to 2 pm, and everyone was waiting for the Mariinsky Kurants performance.

A bit of history and background on the performance:

After the Mariinsky Kurants battle in the Hilandar monastery, the doors open, revealing a donkey carrying the icon of the Mother of God, the Three-Handed One. According to legend, the icon was saved from destruction during the Turkish conquest of the Balkans. The wise monks, fearing for its sanctity, placed it on the donkey and sent it on its way. The donkey, like a messenger of faith, reached the holy mountain of Athos and stopped at the Hilandar monastery. The local monks accepted the relic as a great gift, preserving it. Every time, after the sound of the kurants, the donkey with the icon heads to the Uspensky church, carrying a centuries-old story of faith and salvation.

Honestly, the performance didn't impress me that much - it was a bit dull, and I imagine the people in the neighboring buildings were probably getting tired of hearing it every hour. I won't post the video, but if you're really curious, I'm sure you can find plenty of clips online.

After watching the donkey performance, we continued down Lenin Prospect to the Drama Theater with a Lenin monument.

After saving the main attraction for last, we headed out to the Central Park of Culture and Recreation for a stroll, and of course, we had to stop by Rostik for another round of their unique decor.

The wall art, it seemed, was a Maris alphabet.

The same style reminded me of a place I saw in Suzdal - a city where you only pay for the air, or so I thought:

The City Where You Only Pay for the Air, or Why I Don't Share the Hype for the Thousand-Year-Old City?

From the park, we walked onto the Victory Boulevard, which looked especially beautiful on a sunny day, and with Russia Day just around the corner, everything was decorated with flags. We found the Victory Stele, war memorials, and the Afghanistan War memorial.

We walked back through the Victory Boulevard and, exiting through the central entrance of the park, we finally made our way to the riverbank via Chavain Boulevard.

And that's how we ended up on Nikonov Square, Republic Square, and The Preserved Virgin Mary in the Archangel Slaboda, basically a densely populated riverbank along the Malaya Kokshaga River.

I'd describe this place as a sprawling space with buildings, churches, and towers all done in a similar style. So, I'll include some details about the structures here.

From all the areas, we headed to the Theatre Bridge and the Bruges Quay. Here, everything is super pretty, like a mini-city with colorful buildings. And there are loads of musicians and vendors, just like in any tourist hotspot.

We strolled across the bridge, along the quay, took in the views of the river, and admired the various buildings. Then, we headed to the other side, to the Patriarch's Square. And the first thing that caught our eye was the Puppet Theatre. Its architecture is like something out of a fairy tale – I'm struggling to put it into words.

I was excited to see the Petr and Fevronia monument up close, and I have to admit, I rubbed my fingers on it for good luck in marriage and family - it's a fun little tradition! Although, as a feminist, I have to say the inscription on the statue left me a bit underwhelmed, and I only rubbed my fingers on Fevronia's part.

And of course, we saw the 12 apostles clock - although I didn't manage to snap a photo of it.

From there, we made our way to the Kremlin, did some shopping for souvenirs, and headed to the new bus station - which was a huge improvement over the old one. As we walked from the colorful embankment to the station, I realized that this city is just like many other provincial Russian towns - lots of Soviet-era buildings. It wasn't a bad impression, but after 3.5 hours, we'd seen most of the attractions, according to the map. (We didn't go on a quest to find all the Yashkin cats, though.)

My verdict: the city's not bad, and it's worth visiting once, but I wouldn't want to live here for the long haul. With a day or two, you can see all the sights and enjoy the beautiful spots.

I'd definitely recommend visiting the Republic of Mari El and Yoshkar-Ola, but I'd give it 4 stars.

If you're interested in reading reviews of other Russian cities I've visited, check out the links below:

Chaboxary - Chaboksary, the jewel of Russia! A city where traditions blend with modernity! Vladimir - Great Vladimir, the city that conquered with its scale, beauty, and attractions!

Thanks for watching! ❤

live_helpFeatured FAQ

What's the best way to get to Yoshkar-Ola from Cheboksary?

The best way to get to Yoshkar-Ola from Cheboksary is by bus. The buses run frequently, but be sure to take the bus to the new bus station instead of the old one.

What are some must-see attractions in Yoshkar-Ola?

Some must-see attractions in Yoshkar-Ola include the city's stunning architecture, the unique clock tower, and the picturesque riverfront.

Is Yoshkar-Ola a safe city to visit?

Overall, Yoshkar-Ola is a safe city to visit, but be aware of your surroundings and take normal precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.

What's the local cuisine like in Yoshkar-Ola?

The local cuisine in Yoshkar-Ola is delicious and varied, with plenty of options for vegetarians and meat-lovers alike.

Can I use credit cards in Yoshkar-Ola?

Credit cards are not widely accepted in Yoshkar-Ola, so it's best to bring cash or use an ATM to withdraw rubles.

What's the best time to visit Yoshkar-Ola?

The best time to visit Yoshkar-Ola is during the spring or summer, when the weather is warm and sunny.

Can I get around Yoshkar-Ola without a car?

Yes, it's easy to get around Yoshkar-Ola without a car, as the city has a well-developed public transportation system.

Are there any English speakers in Yoshkar-Ola?

While some locals may speak some English, it's not widely spoken in Yoshkar-Ola, so it's a good idea to learn some basic Russian phrases before your trip.

What's the best way to navigate Yoshkar-Ola's streets?

The best way to navigate Yoshkar-Ola's streets is to use a map or ask locals for directions. The city's streets can be confusing, especially for first-time visitors.

check_circlePros

•The city's stunning architecture is a must-see, with its beautiful buildings and picturesque riverfront.
•The unique clock tower in the city center is a great spot for photos.
•The local food is delicious, with plenty of options for vegetarians and meat-lovers alike.
•The city's proximity to Cheboksary makes it a great day-trip destination.
•The friendly locals are happy to help with directions and recommendations.
•The city's mix of old and new architecture is fascinating to explore.
•The city has a rich history and cultural heritage, evident in its architecture.
•The local cuisine is a great way to experience Russian culture.

cancelCons

•The contrast between the city's well-maintained center and its rundown neighborhoods is jarring.
•The old bus station is a bit of a trek from the city center.
•The streets can be dirty and unpaved in some areas.
•The old, abandoned buildings are a bit of an eyesore.
•The bus ride from Cheboksary can be crowded and uncomfortable.
•The city's lack of tourist infrastructure makes it difficult to find information and amenities.
•The city can be overwhelming, especially for first-time visitors.
•The language barrier can be a challenge, especially for those who don't speak Russian.