Krasnoyarsk (Russian: Красноя́рск kruhz-nah-YAHRSK) is a city in Krasnoyarsk Krai, Russia. It is known for its beautiful nature nearby. However, the city sits in a mountainous basin and, when the wind isn't blowing, dangerous benzopyrene emissions from its aluminum smelter and power station result in black smog over the city.
Photos: Wikimedia Commons contributors.
Krasnoyarsk has a population of over 1 million people. The Kacha River flows through the city before joining the Yenisey at the Strelka - the historical center of the city. The Krasnoyarsk hydroelectric dam, 20 km upstream, significantly influences the local climate; normally the river would freeze over in the bitterly-cold Siberian winter, but because the dam releases unfrozen water year-round, the river never freezes in the 200 km (120 mi) to 300 km (190 mi) stretch of river immediately downstream. The city was founded in 1628 as a fort on the confluence of the two rivers.
Google maps can be used to plan trips around the city. There are many public buses, costing 36 руб per trip. You may use the 2GIS app in order to know which bus to take, or simply ask a local. In large buses, the conductor walks among the passengers and asks for money from the new passengers. In a minibus, the conductor sits near the driver and gets paid before passengers exit (because of this the rear door is rarely opened). In a large bus, the conductor walks around with a roll of tickets in a hand, a belt purse and demands payment. PayWave contactless cards are accepted. Taxis are plentiful but drivers rarely speak English. Negotiate prices in advance.
Views of the Yenisey River and the nearby Sayan Mountains covered by taiga forest are quite picturesque. 1 Krasnoyarsk Dam (Divnogorsk Dam). 124 m tall, 40 km southwest of Krasnoyarsk includes a power station and an aluminum smelting plant that benefits from the cheap electricity. The waterfall created by the dam is worth seeing. Reachable by taxi, elektrichka train or bus 106 to Divnogorsk (Дивногорск, "The Town of Wondrous Mountains") or, in the summer, by jet boat or hydrofoil.
There are many hiking opportunities in the nearby forests, many of which offer nice viewpoints. It is recommended to have a guide for such an excursion as the trails are not well laid-out and there are plenty of dangers, including animals. 1 Stolby Nature Reserve (Заповедник Столбы, literally: Pillars) (take a bus to Hotel Snezhnaya Dolina (15 km southwest of the city center) and then walk up the 7-km trail or take the chairlift of the ski-resort (Фуникулёр; 250 руб)), ☏ +7 391 261-51-61. Stolby covers 470 km² in area, with many extraordinarily-shaped volcanic rock formations up to 100 m high. There are marked trails and an online map in Russian. All information on signs is in Russian.
There are plenty of restaurants in Krasnoyarsk. While there is no McDonald's, there are locations of KFC. There are many excellent Chinese restaurants on Mira street near the Theater of Musical Comedy. Syem Slona (Съем слона), Several locations. Chain of canteen-style cafeterias. All items are under 100 руб. Franky Woo Restaurant & Bar, Vzletnaya st., 57. On the 15th floor of an office building. Unique aviation theme. Mama Roma, Prospect Mira 50A, ☏ +7 391 266-10-72. 09:00-01:00. Italian food. Locations in 5 Russian cities. Shkvarok, Mira Ave., 102A. Ukrainian restaurant with a lot of character. Yakitoriya (Якитория), Oktyabrskaya, 7A, ☏ +7 391 2904060. Japanese food.
Yurta Teahouse, Sibirskaya, 92/4, ☏ +7 391 286 86 09. A really cool tea house in a large yurt! Pot of tea: 150 руб; Flame roasted and skewered chicken, meat and potatoes: 340 руб. Soho Bar, Mira #45, ☏ +7 391 227 75 06. There are many nightclubs all over Krasnoyarsk, but it's better to avoid those located in suburbs (the clientele can be unpleasant), or very expensive luxury clubs and restaurants (frequented by local criminals). Most cinemas have nightclubs as well. Beware of drug traffickers, which are present in most nightclubs; however, they usually don't disturb others unless approached. Havana Club, ul. Bograda, 134. Includes 3 dance floors.
Though generally safe for the experienced traveler, Krasnoyarsk can be a tricky destination for someone not familiar with the region and culture. The downtown areas are pretty much safe all night, but in the suburbs don't walk alone after dark. If you are 15–30 years old, the neighborhood of student dormitories (living blocks without balconies, usually 9-story), the inside of living districts and street cafes can be dangerous for you even at the day time due to the chances to meet drunk bullies who can be easily provoked, for example, by your unusual or not athletic look.
Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.
In Jul, Krasnoyarsk typically sees ~23°C daytime highs and 11 rainy days.
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