Suzdal
Riverside Suzdal is one of the undisputed highlights of Russia’s popular Golden Ring sightseeing route. Photo opportunities abound, from UNESCO-listed monuments to medieval wooden buildings, but it’s also a place to immerse yourself in Russian culture, tuck into traditional cuisine, and attend a folklore festival.
The basics
Suzdal is bursting with beautiful buildings, most notably its UNESCO-listed white-stone monuments. Walking tours typically start at the Suzdal Kremlin, home to the blue-and-gold domed Cathedral of the Nativity. Other must-sees include the Savior Monastery of St Euthymiusa and the Cathedral of Intercession. Don’t miss a visit to the Museum of Wooden Architecture and Peasant Life, which houses rare examples of 18th-century wooden churches, and interactive exhibitions focusing on Russian peasant culture and traditions.
Suzdal is one of the few towns along Russia’s Golden Ring that can be visited on a long day trip from Moscow. Tours often include a visit to nearby Vladimir. Alternatively, opt for an overnight or multi-day tour from Moscow, stopping at other Golden Ring cities along the way.
Things to know before you go
- Suzdal is renowned for its traditional handicrafts; look out for embroidered and wooden items in particular.
- Most of Suzdal’s sights are outdoors, so dress accordingly and prepare to do a lot of walking.
- Most sites are wheelchair- and stroller-accessible.
How to get there
Suzdal is located about 135 miles (220 kilometers) east of Moscow or an almost 3.5-hour drive. To get there by public transport, the quickest way is to take the train to Vladimir. Trains leave from Moscow’s Kurskaya train station and take about 2.5 hours. In Vladimir, the bus station is right by the train station, and buses leave for Suzdal every 30 minutes, taking 50 minutes to make the journey.
Trip ideas
When to get there
The liveliest time to visit Suzdal is during one of its many annual festivals, although be prepared for crowds. Popular events include the Ancient Suzdal festival (July), the Cucumber Festival (July), Suzdal Day (August 12), and the Euphrosinia Fair (October).
Russian Traditions in Suzdal
Suzdal is the ideal destination to experience Russian cultural traditions. Take a horse-drawn troika (sleigh) or carriage ride through the town, visit one of the lively markets or festivals, or even spend a night in a Russian izba (log cabin). Traditional restaurants are abundant along Lenin Street and Kremlyovskaya Street, many of which serve Russian specialties such as pelmeni dumplings, borsch (beetroot soup), stuffed cabbage, and pancakes. Don’t forget to taste some of the local honey mead—the best place to try it is the mead distillery on Promyshlennaya Street, which has a dedicated tasting area.
- Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius (Svyato-Troitskaya Sergieva Lavra)
- Central Air Force Museum (Muzey Voyenno-ozdushnykh Sil)
- Izmailovo Kremlin
- Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics
- Russia My History - Historical Park
- Museum of Soviet Arcade Machines
- Sky Town
- Winzavod Center for Contemporary Art (Vinzavod)
- Ostankino TV Tower
- Bunker-42 Cold War Museum
- Jewish Museum and Tolerance Center
- Gulag History Museum
- Sandunovsky Baths (Sandunovskiye Bani)
- Bolshoi Theatre
- Revolution Square (Ploshchad Revolyutsii)