Samara (Russian: Сама́ра suh-MAH-ruh), the sixth largest city in Russia and capital of an eponymous region, lies on the Volga River in European Russia. It is a major economic, industrial and cultural centre and has a population of over 1,164,000.
Photos: Wikimedia Commons contributors.
Samara was founded in 1586 with the construction of a Russian fortress on the Volga. However, settlement there had been mentioned since at least the 14th century. During World War II, Samara, then named Kuibyshev, was the second capital of USSR. The city's growth was stimulated during the war due to its proximity to Moscow but distance from the war zone; several government offices were evacuated to Kuibyshev when Moscow was under threat. The post-war development of the Volga-Urals oilfield also helped. Kuibyshev reverted to being Samara in 1991. As a cultural centre, Samara has attracted several famous creative Russians.
The Samara Metro is a convenient way of zipping across the city. However, it remains underdeveloped and comprises one line that runs east to west. A trip costs 23 руб or 21 руб if you use a transport e-card. 1 Alabinskaya (Алабинская). Opened in 2015. 2 Rossiyskaya (Российская). 06:00-24:00. Opened in 2007. 3 Moskovskaya (Московская). Opened in 2002. 4 Gagarinskaya (Гагаринская). Opened in 1993. 5 Sportivnaya (Спортивная). Opened in 1993. 6 Sovetskaya (Советская). Opened 1992. 7 Pobeda (Победа). Opened in 1987. 8 Bezymyanka (Безымянка) (Sport Palace). Opened in 1987. 9 Kirovskaya (Кировская) (Kirovsky Market). Opened in 1987. 10 Yungorodok (Юнгородок).
The beach by Volga in the city center. Visit the space museum. Visit the shopping street Leningradskaya. 1 Leningradskaya ulitsa (Ленинградская улица). Pedestrian Street in the Old Town. 2 Church of St. George (Лютеранская кирха), Ul. Kuybysheva (ул. Куйбышева), 115—117. 3 Wooden house (Fakhverkovyy dom, Фахверковый дом), Ul. Frunze (ул. Фрунзе), 75А, from yard. 4 Klodt Manor (Children's Art Gallery. Особняк Клодта), Ul. Kuybysheva (ул. Куйбышева), 139. It was built in 1898 by architect Shcherbachov for merchant Ivan Klodta. 5 Revolution Square (Ploshchad' Revolyutsii, Площадь Революции) (Intersection of Ulitsa Ventseka and Kuybysheva). In the center stands a statue of Lenin.
Night life in Samara is quite joyful. The main dance clubs are: Beerja (Stock Exchange), KINUP, Zvezda (Star), Aura (The Aura), Postel (The Bed), Long Bar. There are many restaurants and bars in Samara. The pricing for clubbing are the same or even higher than in Europe and Americas, though not so high as in Moscow. Study Russian at SSU, 1, Ak.Pavlova 209 m/m, 443011 Samara, Russia, ☏ +7 846 2780908. Study Russian while experiencing real Russian culture and traditions. Programmes for individual students and groups meeting particular needs. Certification of Russian as a Foreign Language at different levels.
1 Farfor (Доставка еды Farfor), st. Young Pioneers, d.166, bldg. A, ☏ +7-909-323-1111. 12:00-00:00. Pizza, rolls, sushi, assorted sets, Japanese soups, salads, desserts, main dishes and drinks. ~500 руб per person. (updated Aug 2023) 2 Cafe Puri, Ulitsa Kuybysheva, 83, ☏ +7 846 989-33-32. Real Georgian food and wine. Note that only a few of the waiters are fluent in English. (updated Aug 2018)
Drink original Zhigulyovskoye beer in Na dne bar or in posh U Vakano restaurant (both in Volzhskiy prospekt, 4, near the old brewery).
Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.
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In Jul, Samara typically sees ~26°C daytime highs and 7 rainy days.
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