Chelyabinsk, Russia: A Hidden Gem Travel Guide

Hey guys! 👋 Today, I'm going to share my trip to Chelyabinsk with you. This Russian city is super charming, a hidden gem that's off the beaten path. Let's get started! 🏨 Accommodation Recommendations - Hotel Korston: This hotel is in a great location, right in the city center, making it super convenient to get around. The rooms are clean and tidy, and the facilities are complete. The front desk staff speak basic English, so communication is not a problem. The breakfast is also super rich, with a variety of Russian specialties to start your day off right. Prices are around CNY 500–800 per night, making it a great value! 🌟 Must-See Attractions - Troitsko-Sergievskaya Lavra: A super spectacular Orthodox cathedral with typical Russian traditional architecture. The colorful onion domes glisten in the sun, making for great photos. 📸 Inside the church, the murals are exquisite, and the strong religious atmosphere makes you feel at peace. - Chelyabinsk Zoo: This is one of the largest zoos in Russia, with many rare animals. Here, you can see Siberian tigers, polar bears, and more up close. If you're lucky, you might even see the keepers feeding the animals, which is super fun! The zoo is large, so it's recommended to set aside half a day to explore. - Victory Park: A theme park commemorating the victory of the Great Patriotic War, with tall monuments and eternal flames. Walking through the park, you can feel the Russian people's remembrance of history. In the evening, the sunset casts a warm glow over the park, creating a great atmosphere. Many locals come here to walk and take their kids out. 🍔 Local Cuisine - Blini: A traditional Russian dish that comes in sweet and savory varieties. The sweet ones are usually served with jam or honey, while the savory ones are filled with various meats and vegetables. They're super satisfying. You can find them at many street stalls, and they're very affordable, costing around RUB 100–200 each. - Borscht: A must-try soup in Russia, made with beets, beef, potatoes, onions, and more. The soup is rich and has a sweet and sour taste that's super appetizing. I had borscht at a local restaurant, and it was so authentic that it blew me away. A bowl of it will warm you up! - Shashlik: The shashlik here is super big, made with fresh lamb or beef, grilled to perfection, and sprinkled with unique spices. The aroma is irresistible. Pair it with a local beer, and it's simply amazing! 📌 Travel Tips - Most Russians don't speak English, so it's a good idea to download some translation apps before you go to make communication easier. - Exchange some rubles for cash. Although some places accept cards, some small shops only accept cash. - Pay attention to the weather. Chelyabinsk is cold in winter, so be sure to bring enough warm clothes. Guys, Chelyabinsk is definitely worth a visit. Come and start your Russian adventure! 💖