Khabarovsk

Introduction

You will find Khabarovsk situated at the confluence of the Amur and Ussuri Rivers. Located in the Russian Far East, this administrative center sits near the China-Russia border.

Before you go

Prepare for a destination with a distinct international feel and a rich history shaped by its location at the confluence of the Amur and Ussuri Rivers. Unlike other regional centers, Khabarovsk has remained open to foreigners, fostering an atmosphere influenced by a significant Asian presence. You will find a city that blends Soviet planning with well-preserved classical buildings, creating a sense of European charm within the Russian Far East.

Plan your visit based on the following conditions:

• Experience a temperate and monsoonal climate featuring hot and humid summers and cold, dry winters.
• Aim for late May to early June or late August to early September for the best travel window.
• Explore the local history through the Regional Lore Museum and Natural History Museum, which preserve the heritage of the indigenous Tungusic people.

Getting there

You can reach Khabarovsk by air at Novy Airport, which serves as a refueling and emergency landing point for polar flights between Asia and North America. Scheduled passenger flights connect the city to destinations in Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea, and Israel. Domestic flights arrive from various Russian cities including Moscow, Saint Petersburg, Vladivostok, and Irkutsk.

Train travel brings you to the Khabarovsk station, a major stop on the Trans-Siberian Railway with daily trains bound for Moscow and Vladivostok. You can also take trains along the Baikal-Amur Mainline toward destinations like Tynda, Vanino, or Komsomolsk. International rail connections are available to Harbin and Pyongyang. For those traveling by water, hydrofoil services operate during the summer months to Fuyuan in China or up the Amur river to Komsomolsk.

Getting around

You can begin your exploration by walking through the city center. A stroll from Lenin Square to the Amur River along Muravieva-Amursky serves as a convenient way to see various shops and dining establishments.

For longer journeys, several transit options are available:

• The tram network features useful sections for visitors, including lines running from the main railway station along Amursky Boulevard toward Volochaevskaya Street and across Muravyov-Amursky Street.
• Trolleybuses provide a connection between the airport and Komsomolskaya Square, traveling along Karla Marksa and Mureava Amursky streets.
• A circular bus route connects the railway station to the river park at Lenin Stadium, continues through Komsomolskaya Square, and travels the length of Lenina Street before returning to the train station.

Where to stay

You will find that accommodation in the city is relatively expensive as there are few unrenovated Soviet rooms and no hostels available. If you have a valid ISIC card, you can contact local universities to see if they can provide a room in their dormitories. Otherwise, you should book your stay well in advance to secure a more affordable room.

• Abricol Hotel: Located on the outskirts of town near the railway station, this modern facility is part of an entertainment complex featuring a restaurant, bars, billiards, bowling, and a sauna with a pool.
• Ali Hotel: An upscale choice featuring rooms overlooking city ponds, complete with a swimming pool, casino, and fitness facilities.
• Amur Hotel: Situated on Lenina Street, this classic building features kitschy decor following its renovation.
• Intourist Hotel: A large, bombastic Soviet-style building offering air conditioning and satellite TV, which accepts major international credit cards.
• Parus Business Center Hotel: Located near the river promenade, this property features a mix of spotless rooms in a new wing and sections housed in a classic pre-Soviet brick building.
• Boutique-Hotel "Khabarovsk City": A modern building in the central part of the city near the Amur River featuring various room categories and an on-site restaurant and bar.
• Afalina Hotel: A small, pleasant hotel near the central railway station with European-style rooms and a variety of amenities including a sauna and billiards room.

Food & drink

You can explore a wide variety of culinary styles in the city, ranging from traditional Russian cuisine to Asian-style dishes and Italian favorites. For a classic Russian experience, you can dine in an establishment featuring log cabin decor where waiters wear national dress and live folk music plays; here, you can enjoy staples like blinis, patties, borscht, or sturgeon served on warm stones. If you prefer a more casual atmosphere, numerous fast-food outlets are scattered throughout the streets, including buffet-style dining and burger joints.

Your drink options vary depending on your preference for atmosphere:

• Enjoy coffee and chocolate drinks at established cafes or find a stylish, modern setting with an international menu.
• Experience local culture by visiting a banya outside the city or enjoying tea from a samovar.
• During warmer months, skip the indoor bars to visit beer tents along the River Promenade near the large cathedral or in Dynamo Park, where you can sit on long benches under colorful lanterns.
• For nightlife, find venues offering karaoke, cocktails, and hookah, or head to clubs featuring Russian pop music and dance floors.

What to see and do

Explore a dense cluster of museums along Shevchenko Street, where several institutions are housed in impressive century-old buildings. You can explore the Far East Regional Museum to see ethnographic displays of indigenous cultures and a large collection of stuffed animals, or visit the Far Eastern Art Museum for its collection of aboriginal art, religious icons, and Japanese porcelain. Nearby, the Far Eastern Military Museum occupies a former state bank building and features war propaganda posters and an old luxury railway carriage. For those interested in history beyond the military, the Archaeology Museum is located nearby in a former brewery owner's building, showcasing ancient ceramics and petroglyph replicas.

Other cultural sites offer diverse experiences across the city:

• The Geological Museum features a vast collection of minerals, including moon fragments and large meteorites.
• The Far Eastern Railway Museum showcases artifacts related to the construction of the regional rail lines.
• The Fedotov Exposition Hall hosts rotating monthly exhibitions of local paintings, sculptures, and designs.
• The Khabarovsk City History Museum details the city's timeline from its inception through modern times.

When to go

You can experience a wide range of conditions depending on your preferred atmosphere. If you prefer dry air, the winter months offer a bone-chilling and harsh environment. Conversely, if you seek milder weather, late spring provides a transition toward comfortable conditions before the heavy rains arrive.

For those who enjoy warmth, summer and early autumn provide hot and humid conditions. You may find the most pleasant window during late August and early September when the weather begins to clear following the heavy precipitation of the peak summer months.

Day one, you begin your journey in Khabarovsk to experience the unique atmosphere of the Russian Far East. You can explore the local area and immerse yourself in the regional culture as you settle into the city.

Day two, you visit the Regional Lore Museum to learn about Tungusic traditions or head to the Natural History Museum to see the diverse life found along the Amur and Ussuri Rivers.

Day three, you can take time to explore more of the surroundings. Whether traveling from Moscow, Saint Petersburg, Vladivostok, or Irkutsk by train, your stay provides a distinct perspective on this part of Asia.

About this place

• Khabarovsk