Where to go in autumn in Russia: the best destinations for a cozy holiday

Why autumn is the perfect time to travel in Russia

At this time of the year, many regions of our country are attracted by mild weather, vibrant landscapes and a rich cultural program. The average temperature in September and October varies from +5°C to +20°C, depending on the region — ideal conditions for walks, excursions and trips to nature. There are fewer tourist groups, and you don't have to queue at the attractions.

Russian cities seem to be created for traveling in the fall. At this time of the year, they are transformed: parks are painted in gold and crimson tones, the streets become especially photogenic. New exhibitions are opening, festivals and premieres are taking place in theaters — it's easy to complement a trip with cultural experiences. This is a great time both for active routes and for a leisurely rest with a cup of coffee in the historical center.

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Practical tips for autumn travel

• Plan ahead. Even in autumn, popular destinations such as St. Petersburg or Sochi are in demand. In order to book convenient hotels and excursions in time, it is better not to delay planning.
• Collect suitable clothes. For trips to the northern cities (Irkutsk, Tyumen), an insulated jacket and an umbrella will be useful, and in the southern regions (Krasnodar, Sochi), light clothing is suitable for warm sunny days.
• Choose a convenient transport. Most cities can be reached by direct flights or trains from Moscow. It is convenient to get around by bus, taxi or rented car, especially if you are planning country trips.
• Try local autumn dishes. Autumn holidays are a time of gastronomic delights, such as pumpkin soups, game dishes, fragrant pies or fresh seafood if you are vacationing in the Far East. The cuisine in each region helps to feel the atmosphere of the place better.

Saint Petersburg — culture and comfort

In autumn, St. Petersburg seems to become the setting for a historical film: canals, golden foliage in parks, the soft glow of lanterns. In September, it has a comfortable temperature of about +15°C, in October — +5-10°C. This is a great time to explore the Summer Garden, Mikhailovsky Garden and Elagin Island Park.

The cultural life of the city is especially intense: new exhibitions are opening at the Hermitage and the Russian Museum, and the Mariinsky Theater is starting the season with high-profile premieres. Don't miss the fountain closing show in Peterhof — it's an impressive combination of music, light and fireworks. Gatchina and Pavlovsk, the palace ensembles framed by autumn parks, are suitable for more secluded walks.

Add atmospheric places to your itinerary: the Faberge Museum, the Pele Pharmacy, and the Subscription Editions bookstore. Autumn festivals such as "Golden Autumn" or "Dostoevsky Day" fill the city with literary and gastronomic flavor.

After a walk, visit pyshechnaya on Bolshaya Konyushennaya or the cafe on Nevsky for a plate of borscht. An evening boat trip along the canals in the illuminated city is a great way to end the day.

For a comfortable stay in St. Petersburg, choose Accor hotels: Novotel St. Petersburg Center, SO/St. Petersburg. The convenient location and high level of service will make the trip really enjoyable.

Sochi — autumn on the Black Sea coast

Autumn in Sochi is an opportunity to extend the summer. The velvet season in September-October pleases with warm weather (+20...+25°C) and the sea, which is still suitable for swimming (+22°C). There are fewer people on the beaches, and the atmosphere is calmer and more comfortable.

Start exploring the Olympic Park and Sochi Discovery World Aquarium, and for active recreation, go to the suspension bridge in the Skypark or to the Agura Waterfalls, especially picturesque framed by autumn foliage.

Sochi Jazz Festival takes place in autumn in Sochi, and at gastronomic fairs you can taste local wines, honey and farm products. For dinner, visit the restaurant on the embankment and order Adjarian khachapuri or lamb kebab.

Aqualoo and Mountain Beach water parks are suitable for families with children. And if you want privacy, go to the Yew and boxwood grove or on an excursion to Krasnaya Polyana. The cable car ride to the peaks of Rosa Khutor is one of those experiences that will be remembered for a long time.

It is more profitable to book excursions through local agencies: they often offer discounts during the off-season.

Kaliningrad — history and nature

Kaliningrad is especially cozy in autumn: the warm climate (+10...+15°C), European architecture and a leisurely rhythm create an atmosphere of relaxation. Walking along the island of Kanta with the Cathedral or along the Brandenburg Gate, it is easy to feel the historical depth of the city.

Be sure to visit the Curonian Spit: its dunes and autumn forests seem to be created for long walks and beautiful photos. In September, the Kaliningrad Fair festival takes place in the city with Baltic fish tastings, amber souvenirs and street music. Visit the Museum of the World Ocean or take a walk through the Fishing Village with its picturesque promenade.

In between walks, try klops, a meatloaf according to a local recipe, or smoked smelt in a cafe overlooking Pregola. For an unusual route, go to Svetlogorsk: the autumn surf, clean air and the promenade are perfect for a secluded holiday.

Fans of non-standard travel in Russia in the fall should explore the ancient German forts or rent a bike and ride along the Curonian Spit. In autumn, prices for excursions are lower, and the weather is still conducive to active trips — just do not forget about an umbrella and comfortable shoes.

Stay at Mercure Kaliningrad Center or ibis Kaliningrad Center — Accor hotels offer comfort, modern infrastructure and walking distance to the main attractions of the city.

Irkutsk and Baikal — nature, adventure, culture

In the autumn months Irkutsk welcomes guests with mild Siberian weather (+10°C in September), golden alleys and special tranquility. The city seems to invite you to stop and take a closer look: stroll among the ancient wooden houses in the center, look into the Church of the Savior, visit the Museum of the Decembrists and find out how the exiled nobles lived.

From here it is convenient to go to Lake Baikal — to Listvyanka or to Olkhon Island. In autumn, the nature around the lake is especially expressive: red and golden shades of foliage, clear air and almost complete absence of crowds. In local cafes, try Baikal omul — hot smoked or grilled.

For those who want to see more, there is the Tunka Valley with thermal springs and mountains, the trails of the Baikal Nature Reserve or a trip to the Irkutsk Seal Garden if you are traveling with children. Local travel agencies offer group trips at discounted prices, which is a convenient way to explore the region.

Stay in Accor hotels — Novotel Irkutsk or ibis Irkutsk Center. The city center, cozy rooms and everything you need for a comfortable stay after a busy day.

Krasnodar — a combination of nature and urban life

In autumn, the capital of Kuban pleases with warm weather (+15...+20°C), bright parks and southern hospitality. This is a great time to explore Galitsky Park — its scale, architecture and landscapes are especially good against the background of autumn foliage.

Art lovers should visit the Krasnodar Museum of Local Lore or the Gorky Drama Theater. In September, the Kuban Wines Festival takes place with tastings of local wines, cheeses and honey. In city restaurants, try Kuban borscht, dumplings with cherries and other home-cooked dishes.

If you want to change the situation, you can drive to Gelendzhik or Anapa in a couple of hours — it's still warm on the coast at this time. Autumn is also suitable for trips to mountainous Adygea: waterfalls, serpentines and mountain landscapes in golden foliage create ideal conditions for a mini-trip.

At the Vishnyaki market, you can buy fresh fruits, cheeses, nuts and delicacies to take with you a little taste of the south. Renting a car will make trips around the region especially convenient. It almost never rains, but you should still take a light umbrella just in case.

For comfortable accommodation when traveling in the fall, choose the Accor hotel — ibis Krasnodar Center with a convenient location and everything you need to relax in the city and travel around the region.

Nizhny Novgorod — unique history and modern way of life

Nizhny Novgorod is especially good in autumn: the embankments of the Volga River are painted in warm colors, and walks around the city become unhurried and atmospheric. With temperatures around +10°C, October is the perfect time to walk up the Chkalovskaya Stairs, look into the Kremlin and enjoy the panoramas from the city heights.

The city is rich in cultural events: the State Art Museum, the Opera and Ballet Theater, autumn exhibitions and the Volga Meets Friends gastronomic festival. Try dumplings or kvass at the cafe on Bolshaya Pokrovskaya, one of the most colorful streets in the city.

Excursions to the Kerzhensky Nature Reserve or the ancient Gorodets are suitable for nature lovers and field trips. Unique museum spaces such as the Gorky Museum and walks along the Kanavinsky Bridge are especially impressive at sunset.

If you are traveling with children, take a look at the Limpopo Zoo. Bike rental will help you explore the city's embankments comfortably. River cruises to Kazan or Yaroslavl are also available in autumn, with pleasant discounts and a relaxed atmosphere.

For comfortable accommodation, choose Accor hotels — Mercure Nizhny Novgorod Center or ibis Nizhny Novgorod with a convenient location and a cozy atmosphere to relax after a busy day.

Vladivostok — sunsets over the sea and expanse for gourmets

In autumn, Vladivostok reveals its special character: the sea air, bright sunsets and mild climate (+10...+15°C in October) make it ideal for leisurely walks. Start at the Sports Harbor embankment, stroll along the Golden Horn Bridge and visit the Vladivostok Fortress Museum to feel the history of the city.

In September, the Days of the Sea festival is held with tastings of fresh seafood — crabs, oysters, scallops. Try fish soup in the Far East or dumplings with sea fish in a cafe overlooking the bay. Gourmets should go to the Sportivnaya market, where you can find all the freshest.

For those who love nature, there is an excursion to Russian Island, a walk through the national park "Land of the Leopard" or a trip to the Tokarevsky lighthouse. The autumn scenery, silence and warm wind make the trip especially memorable. Renting a boat is a great way to view the city from the water and capture footage of an autumn sunset over the Sea of Japan.

The weather may change, so bring a windbreaker and comfortable shoes. And it's convenient to relax after a busy day at the Accor hotel — Novotel Vladivostok with an elegant interior and friendly staff.

Samara — Volga expanses, nature and culture of the Volga region

Autumn Samara is especially beautiful: the embankments of the Volga River are painted in golden tones, the air is fresh, and the rhythm of the city is becoming calm. With temperatures of +10...+15°C, October is great for walking along the longest embankment in Russia, trips to country parks and exploring the cultural life of the region.

Start with the Samara Art Museum and the Opera and Ballet Theater, and in the evening take a look at a concert or festival — for example, "Spring Rhythms", which take place in September. Be sure to try the Volga fish soup, fish pies or the traditional merchant roast in one of the cozy cafes by the water.

In autumn, it is especially pleasant to go to the Zhiguli Mountains or walk along the trails of the Samarskaya Luka National Park. In the village of Shiryaevo, where Ilya Repin once worked, you can combine nature with history. And if you want to learn more about the Soviet past, take a look at Stalin's bunker, one of the deepest in the world.

Are you traveling with children? They will enjoy the zoo on Novo-Sadovaya Street or small river cruises to Kazan and Tolyatti — in autumn they take place in a calm, almost intimate atmosphere.

To relax after an active day, choose the Accor Hotel — ibis Samara with cozy rooms and walking distance to the city beach.

Cheboksary — national flavor, silence and views of the Volga

In the autumn Cheboksary turns into a cozy city for a leisurely rest. Walking along Cheboksary Bay, golden foliage in Lakreevsky forest, warm air (+10°C in October) — everything makes for a measured journey.

The city preserves a rich cultural heritage: the Chuvash State Museum of Art, the Vvedensky Cathedral, folk crafts and architecture create a special atmosphere. In September, the Chuvashia festival is held with national music, dancing and treats — you can try shartan (Chuvash sausage) and hoopla (fried pies with meat or potatoes).

The village of Sosnovka or a short river route along the Volga River are suitable for a field trip. And if you want something unusual, take a look at the Beer Museum dedicated to the local brewing tradition, or attend a master class on Chuvash embroidery.

Outdoor enthusiasts can rent a bike and ride along the shore of the bay. And at the local market you can find homemade cheeses, nuts and honey brought from the surrounding villages. It rarely rains here in autumn, but an umbrella and waterproof shoes will still not be superfluous.

For comfortable accommodation, choose ibis Cheboksary Center, an Accor hotel with a convenient location for walking around the city.

Tyumen — hot springs, antiquity and warm autumn of Siberia

Autumn in Tyumen means walking along the embankment of the Tura River, fragrant pies and steam from hot springs in the cool air. With temperatures of +5...+10°C, October is the time for a leisurely rest here, when you especially feel the comfort of the city.

Take a walk along Tsvetnoy Boulevard, visit the Tyumen Museum of Local Lore, learn about the Siberian Old Believers and the history of the conquest of Siberia. In autumn, city festivals are held, including Tyumen — the City of Youth, with street concerts and exhibitions.

The main feature of the region is the thermal springs. In autumn, they are especially in demand: a trip to Verkhny Bor or other open-air hot springs is a great idea for both a day and an overnight stay.

In restaurants, be sure to try Siberian dumplings, mead or fish soup according to local recipes. If you are traveling with children, go to the LetoLeto water park, where you can spend the whole day in warm water and have fun.

For unusual impressions, there is a Museum of blacksmithing, a trip to Yalutorovsk with wooden buildings and the atmosphere of an old merchant town. Autumn discounts on spa treatments and excursions make Tyumen especially attractive at this time of the year.

Stay at the Mercure Tyumen Center hotel to relax in peace and comfort after a busy day.

Yaroslavl — history, Volga landscapes and golden autumn in the Golden Ring

In the autumn season, the city is especially picturesque: fogs over the Volga, golden domes, bright leaves in ancient squares. October, with its +10°C — is an ideal time for walking around the historical center and trips to the surrounding area.

Be sure to visit the Spaso-Preobrazhensky Monastery, the Church of Elijah the Prophet, as well as the Yaroslavl Art Museum. The city inspires with its architecture and quiet streets, where it is easy to feel the spirit of the Golden Ring.

On the embankment, try traditional Yaroslavl pies, kvass or local desserts — the cozy cafes here are especially good in cloudy weather. Theater lovers should visit the F. Volkov Drama Theater, one of the oldest in Russia.

In autumn, you can also go to Rostov Veliky or Pereslavl-Zalessky — both cities are an hour away, and each is beautiful in its own way at this time of the year. Rent a boat for a walk along the river or just take a walk along the Arrow where the Volga and Kotorosl merge — the views here are especially cinematic in autumn. And in November, the Russian Winter festival starts in the city, which smoothly transfers the atmosphere from autumn to a New Year's tale.

For a comfortable stay, choose ibis Yaroslavl Center — the first European hotel in the city with a convenient location in the central district.

Conclusion

In autumn, every city in Russia opens up in its own way: one gives sea sunrises, another - walks along ancient streets, the third — the warmth of thermal springs.

Choose the destination that is closer to your mood: for a romantic trip, a family vacation, or a short weekend trip. And the Accor hotel chain will help make this trip truly comfortable wherever you stay.

Plan your route, book hotels in advance and enjoy autumn — the most beautiful and peaceful time for traveling in Russia.