[2025 Smolensk Stay] Travel Guide for Usad'ba (Updated May)

🏰Must-see attractions 1. Smolensk Kremlin The Smolensk Kremlin is the city's landmark, built between the 16th and early 17th centuries. This ancient fortress witnessed many wars on the western border of Russia. Today, it still retains 18 towers and approximately 3.5 kilometers of city walls. Walking through it, you can hear the echoes of history. 2. Cathedral of the Assumption This cathedral was built in the early 17th century to commemorate the city's victory in the war. It is located on Cathedral Hill and is one of the symbols of Smolensk. The interior of the cathedral is beautifully decorated and houses the relics of the city's patron saint. Napoleon praised its beauty. 3. Bulyonier Garden Built in 1830, Bulyonier Garden is one of the most pleasant leisure parks in Smolensk. It features deer sculptures, a Glinka monument, and a musical fountain. It is a great place for locals and tourists to stroll and relax. 4. Memorial Complex "Katyn" This is an international memorial dedicated to the victims of the Katyn massacre during World War II. It is not only a witness to history but also a symbol of peace. 5. Lopatin Garden This central park was built in 1874 and covers an area of 10 hectares. It was once a royal fortress of the Poles, but today it is a center for leisure and entertainment for the locals. The park is full of greenery and is a green oasis in the city. 🛒Food recommendations Smolensk's food culture is rich and diverse, featuring traditional Russian dishes as well as modern international cuisine. Here are some must-try food experiences: • Traditional Russian dishes: such as borscht and mashed potatoes with mushrooms. • Specialty restaurants: We recommend visiting "White Rabbit" restaurant, which not only offers exquisite Russian cuisine but also provides stunning views of the city. 🏨Accommodation recommendations Smolensk offers a wide range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly apartments. Here are some recommendations: • Hotel Usadba: Located in the city center, it features an indoor pool and sauna facilities, offering a comfortable stay. • Mini Apart Hotel Skver: Located just 13 minutes' walk from Pobedy Square, it features air conditioning and free Wi-Fi, offering great value for money. • City House-Hotel: Located near Bulyonier Garden and the Historical Museum, it offers free parking and 24-hour front desk service. 🎒Travel tips • Best travel time: Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) are the best times to visit Smolensk, as the weather is pleasant and suitable for outdoor activities. • Transportation: Smolensk has a good railway and road network. It takes about 3-4 hours to travel from Moscow by train. • Language: Russian is the official language. It is recommended to learn some basic Russian vocabulary in advance for a smoother trip.

Usad'ba stay experience sharing Recommended reasons: Usad'ba, this gem hidden in the quiet countryside, made my trip feel warm and comfortable with its unique manor style, elegant accommodation and thoughtful service. Whether you are a vacationer seeking tranquility or a traveler who loves to explore, this place can satisfy your expectations. Room type/layout: I stayed in a manor villa, the room was spacious and bright with an elegant layout. The villa has a separate living room, bedroom and bathroom, and every detail reveals refinement and luxury. Outside the window is the lush green manor scenery, making people feel as if they are in a paradise. Soundproofing/Sanitation: Usad'ba has done an excellent job in terms of soundproofing and hygiene. The room uses high-quality sound insulation materials to ensure good sound insulation, allowing me to have a quiet rest environment at night. In terms of hygiene, the hotel conducts strict cleaning and disinfection of the rooms every day, and the supplies are changed after each guest, which makes me feel safe and secure. Nearby attractions: The manor is surrounded by beautiful natural scenery. You can reach the nearby forests, lakes and fields within walking distance and feel the tranquility and beauty of nature. In addition, Usad'ba also offers a wealth of outdoor activities, such as horse riding, fishing and hiking, to make your trip more colorful. Other Tips: The restaurant in the manor offers authentic country cuisine with fresh ingredients and unique flavors. It is recommended to try it. If you like photography, you might as well bring a camera to record every beautiful scenery of the manor. If you want to get a deeper understanding of local culture, you can participate in cultural experience activities organized by the hotel, such as handicraft making, folk dance, etc. Usad'ba not only provides you with a high-quality accommodation environment, but also an excellent opportunity to deeply explore the natural beauty and local culture. Here, you can enjoy every wonderful moment and make this trip an unforgettable memory in your life.

it was an amazing place and great views