If you are ever fortunate enough to visit Irkutsk you will find yourself with plenty to do. Irkutsk is a historical Siberian city and its legacy makes it a wonderful place to visit. There are certainly many things to do in Irkutsk.

Irkutsk’s legacy is to be built on the shoulders of exiles. Little is done to remember the ordinary exiles who did much of the hard labour, but much more is done to remember the aristocratic exiles, known as the Decembrists, who were exiled to Irkutsk following their failed attempt to overthrown the Tsar. They brought much culture with them, and built libraries and theaters. They are remembered today in their wooden houses, which still survive today as museums. The Trubetskoy and Volkonsky House Museums are both located within a few minutes walk of each other, and a fascinating afternoon can be spent at this pair of museums.

Irkutsk is also a city renowned for its churches. Its cathedral was sadly destroyed in a great fire, but several historic Orthodox churches remain. Most are in the center of the city, within walking distance of each other – the furthest away is the Znamensky monastery, which is about a mile out of the city center, but easily reachable either by foot or by bus.

Irkutsk is perhaps best known, though, because it is so near to Lake Baikal that it makes a natural stopping off point for tourists interesting in visiting this natural delight. Lake Baikal is a mere 67 kilometers away from Irkutsk, and takes about an hour and a half to reach by bus. There, visitors should try to take a dip in the lake – although the water is icy, dipping a toe into the lake is said to add a year to a person’s life. Those brave enough to contemplate an icy cold swim are probably thinking of the promised ten year increase in lifespan!

Read more about Irkutsk at the Hotels in Irkutsk website.